Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has urged President William Ruto to place greater emphasis on job creation even as the government rolls out major infrastructure projects across the country.
Kuria made the remarks hours after the President announced new road developments during Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo Stadium, arguing that infrastructure alone will not address the growing unemployment challenge facing young Kenyans.
While acknowledging the importance of roads, Kuria warned that the country risks a social and economic strain if meaningful employment opportunities are not created, particularly through the private sector.
“It is good to build dual carriageways, expressways and railways, but without serious attention to job creation, we will soon have nowhere to hide,” he said.
Kuria pointed to the rising number of school leavers, noting that 1.1 million candidates graduated from the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) this year, the highest figure recorded. He said the cohort will be entering the job market within the next three years, placing additional pressure on the economy.
During his address, President Ruto announced plans to construct a 60-kilometre expressway from Nairobi to Thika in Kiambu County, expected to begin in 2026. The road is intended to complement the Thika Superhighway and ease congestion.
The President also outlined upgrades to the JKIA–ABC corridor, alongside ongoing works on the Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit Road and the Nairobi–Mai Mahiu–Naivasha project.
Kuria, who resigned as the President’s economic advisor months ago, has increasingly taken a critical stance on government policy. However, some opposition figures have questioned his independence, claiming he still aligns closely with the administration.
