Uhuru Orders Ksh 10 Billion For Kazi Mtaani Program

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday 2oth of October 2021 directed the National Treasury to allocate 10 billion shillings to the Kazi Mtaani program. He said the program has been a success and has its effect in enhancing opportunities for the youth.

“I direct the National Treasury to allocate Sh10 billion for the third phase of the Kazi Mtaani Programme. The program covering over 200,000 youths will be rolled out to all counties, with priority given to densely populated areas,” said Uhuru.

The President said the program was part of the measures that will inject an additional 25 billion shillings into the economy.

Kazi Mtaani is a national initiative that was launched in April 2021, to cushion the most vulnerable and able-bodied youth living in informal settlements from the adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The program started with a budget of Sh10 billion, employed 283,210 youths in 900 informal settlements across the 47 counties.

Targeting youth above 18 – 35 years who are unable to find jobs due to the economic disruptions, the program has transformed the lives of many youths by creating job opportunities, which has helped reduce crime in society.

The work included cleaning drainage lines, garbage collection, cleaning streets, growing trees, and rehabilitation of public facilities.

The beneficiaries operated on two shifts, each working 11 days a month, earning Sh455 daily while supervisors take home Sh505 each per day.

The program has helped in reducing crime and drug abuse in the informal settlements reduced the dependency ratio of the youth and improving livelihoods.