The government has announced plans to create 500,000 more jobs for Kenyans annually in the agriculture sector. The sector already employs more than 40 per cent of Kenyans.
In a statement on Friday, November 29, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Andrew Karanja revealed that the government has launched the Transforming Ecosystems for Jobs in Agriculture through Technology and Innovation (TEJATI) program.
This program, according to the CS, aims to create at least 500,000 jobs annually while driving sustainable growth across the country.
"I joined Mary Muinde, Chief of Staff, representing the First Lady, Mama Rachel Ruto, for the launch of the Transforming Ecosystems for Jobs in Agriculture through Technology and Innovation (TEJATI) program. This ambitious initiative aims to create at least 500,000 jobs annually while driving sustainable growth in all 47 counties," he said.
Unemployed Kenyans, however, will have to wait until next year to start seeing the jobs. This is because the first phase of implementation is scheduled for 2025, with a focus on scaling the initiative to its full potential.
According to the CS, apart from creating jobs, the government will be scaling agribusiness ecosystems from 2,000 schools to 24,000 schools over the next five years to establish cooperatives and aggregation centers and promote economic empowerment.
The CS has hailed the program, saying that it will be a game changer for addressing unemployment and food security.
Additionally, the program is expected to foster innovation and inclusivity.
The government's main aim is for the project to extend to all regions in the country, including the marginalised areas such as the arid and semi-arid areas.
Present during the launch of the program include PS State Department for Agriculture, Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh, UN Resident Coordinator Dr. Stephen Jackson, and the Chair of the Council of Governors, alongside other distinguished leaders.
The CS move comes after Labour Cabinet Secretary (CS) Alfred Mutua announced that nationwide recruitment for foreign jobs was taking a temporary hiatus until mid-December.
The exercise was halted to allow the government to prepare for the Jamuhuri celebrations on December 12.
According to the CS, 5931 jobs had already been secured in the 10 days that the exercise had been conducted.