President William Ruto has reverted to his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta's Kazi Mtaani programme in a new strategy to tackle youth unemployment in the country.
The president announced the revival of the programme during the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations, where he reiterated that the revamped initiative would offer thousands of young Kenyans jobs and practical skills to set them up in the future. "Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to announce the revival of Kazi Mtaani," President Ruto announced. "This program will empower our youth with meaningful work and hope for a better tomorrow." Initially launched in 2020, the Kazi Mtaani initiative was the brainchild of former President Uhuru Kenyatta and was birthed as a response to the economic fallout brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kenyans lining up for jobs at KICC on Friday, October 25, 2024 Courtesy The programme offered temporary relief to young people, particularly those in informal settlements, by engaging them in jobs including urban clean-up efforts and basic maintenance of community spaces.
Kazi Mtaani was, however, discontinued in 2022 when Ruto's Kenya Kwanza administration took over, with the current Head of State showing more intent on the Affordable Housing agenda.
