By Afrireport 
President William Ruto has reignited debate on regional trade and border policies after stating that youth who have been financially supported by the government cannot succeed in business if borders remain closed.
Speaking while addressing leaders and youth representatives, the President linked the success of the government’s youth empowerment programmes to open and functional cross-border trade.
Over the past two years, the government has rolled out several financing initiatives aimed at helping young people start small and medium-sized enterprises.
These include affordable credit facilities, grants, and training programmes targeting youth led businesses in manufacturing, agriculture, transport and cross-border trade.
According to the President, these efforts risk being undermined if regional movement of goods and services is restricted.
Ruto argued that many youth enterprises depend heavily on regional markets, especially those located near border towns.
He noted that traders dealing in agricultural produce, textiles, and light manufactured goods rely on access to neighbouring countries to sustain their businesses.
You cannot give young people capital and then block the markets they need to survive,” he said, adding that economic empowerment must be supported by enabling policies.
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The President emphasised that open borders do not only benefit traders but also strengthen regional integration and economic stability.
He pointed out that Kenya’s economy is closely tied to its neighbours and that disruptions at border points often lead to losses for small traders, many of whom are young entrepreneurs operating on thin margins.
Ruto’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions within the East African region on border controls, security concerns, and trade regulations.
While some leaders have pushed for stricter controls to address smuggling and insecurity, the President insisted that such measures should not come at the expense of legitimate trade and youth livelihoods.
He further stated that the government is working with regional partners to harmonise trade policies and reduce non tariff barriers that limit business growth.
According to Ruto, empowering youth goes beyond issuing loans; it requires creating an environment where businesses can expand, access markets and generate employment.
Youth leaders welcomed the remarks, saying they reflect the realities faced by young traders on the ground.
However, some analysts cautioned that open borders must be accompanied by strong regulatory frameworks to prevent illicit trade and protect local industries.
As Kenya positions itself as a regional economic hub, Ruto maintained that youth empowerment, regional cooperation and open markets must go hand in hand.
Without this alignment, he warned, government investments in young entrepreneurs may fail to deliver the intended impact.
