Machakos County is taking significant steps to address youth unemployment with the launch of a major recruitment drive aimed at hiring 1,000 young people over the next year. The initiative, dubbed the “Ng’arisha Mtaa na Governor Wavinya Ndeti Programme,” focuses on revitalizing local communities through environmental cleanup efforts, similar to the now-defunct Kazi Mtaani program.
In a public notice issued on Thursday, the county government announced its plan to engage youth aged 18 to 35 as casual workers across various municipalities, urban centers, and markets, with an emphasis on solid waste management. The notice highlighted the county’s commitment to providing employment opportunities, stating, “This initiative is a testament to our commitment to creating employment opportunities for our youth. This is not just about cleaning up; it’s about giving our young people a chance to earn a living and contribute to the well-being of their communities.”
The recruitment process is scheduled for August 28, 2024, and will take place across all sub-locations in Machakos County. Interested youth are required to report to their local Assistant Chiefs’ offices at 8:00 a.m., with selection being conducted on a first-come, first-served basis.
This initiative coincides with the national government’s re-evaluation of the Kazi Mtaani program, which was initially introduced during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure and discontinued in September 2022. President William Ruto had cited concerns over its political misuse and mismanagement of public funds. However, in a recent speech in Nakuru, President Ruto hinted at the potential revival of the program in response to public demand, announcing that 500 youths would soon be employed under the initiative, though specifics of the nationwide rollout remain unclear.
The original Kazi Mtaani program provided employment to 500 youths per ward on a rotational basis, offering them a daily stipend for maintaining public infrastructure. While President Ruto had initially favored affordable housing projects over the program, recent developments suggest a possible reconsideration to address unemployment.
The reintroduced Kazi Mtaani program, if implemented, is expected to complement other job creation strategies under the Kenya Kwanza administration, including digital job creation, labor export, and affordable housing initiatives. However, questions persist about the policy framework and budget allocations necessary to sustain these efforts.
