Kuria, who once served as an economic advisor to the President, made these remarks shortly after the Jamhuri Day celebrations held at Nyayo Stadium on December 12, 2025.
During the event, President Ruto announced several major road projects expected to begin in 2026.
These include a new 60-kilometre expressway from Nairobi to Thika and upgrades to the busy road linking Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to ABC Place through Uhuru Highway and Waiyaki Way.
People
He also highlighted progress on the Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit Road and the Nairobi–Mai Mahiu–Naivasha Road, two big projects launched in late November.
While the President’s supporters praised these developments as steps toward modernizing Kenya’s transport network, Kuria raised concerns that the government is overlooking a more urgent issue—youth unemployment.
According to Kuria, the number of young people entering the job market is growing at a worrying rate.
He noted that 1.1 million students completed their KJSEA exams this year, marking the first time the figure has crossed the one-million mark.
These learners are expected to start seeking jobs within the next three years, and Kuria believes the country is not prepared to absorb them.
Kuria argued that roads, expressways, and railways are important, but they cannot solve the unemployment crisis on their own.
He stressed that Kenya needs strong private-sector investment, which can create long-term and meaningful work opportunities.
Without such efforts, he warned that the government could soon face pressure from millions of jobless young adults.
“It is good to build new roads,” Kuria explained, “but if we do not give serious attention to job creation driven by the private sector, very soon there will be nowhere for us to hide.”
Kuria’s remarks have stirred conversation across the political scene. Since resigning from his advisory role earlier this year, he has increasingly criticized the government’s economic direction.
Some opposition leaders argue that Kuria is only pretending to be a critic while still supporting the administration behind the scenes.
However, Kuria maintains that his comments are meant to push the government toward economic priorities that directly benefit ordinary Kenyans.
The former CS believes that what young people need most are steady incomes, skills programmes, and business opportunities—not only better highways.
He insists that unless the government matches its infrastructure plans with strong job-creation policies, the youth bulge will pose serious economic and social challenges.
At the same time, President Ruto has defended his infrastructure agenda, saying that modern roads support economic growth by reducing travel time, easing congestion, and encouraging investment.
The planned Nairobi–Thika expressway, for instance, is expected to ease pressure on the current Thika Superhighway, which has struggled with heavy traffic for years.
Faster connections, the President argues, can attract industries, reduce transport costs, and open new opportunities for businesses.
Tags
News