Government Spokesperson Cyrus Oguna has responded to claims that the government would discontinue the Kazi Mtaani initiative that would lead to thousands of youth under the program losing their jobs.
Oguna on Friday, February 12, released a statement following reporting by a local media house quoting the official directing youth to leave the programme as the government had no money to sustain it.
The alleged statement which the spokesperson has come out to refute elicited backlash from a number of Kenyans online who faulted the government for being detached from the situation for many Kenyans in the grassroots.
"The youth being the most energetic and creative members of our society, they were challenged to exploit this potential to help build the economy. At no time was there any mention that the government has no money to continue with the Kazi Mtaani program.
"We wish to state that this statement is false and misleading. We urge all media houses to refrain from misinforming the public on matters that affect their lives," he stated.
The Ksh10 billion program was conceptualized as a response with two main objectives. Offering employment to the youth to cushion them from the effects of the pandemic as well as improving health and sanitation in informal settlements.
Earlier in January 2021, the national government bowed to pressure to extend the Kazi Mtaani jobs program that currently employs at least 270,000 youthful Kenyans across the 47 counties.
The State Department for Housing and Urban Development announced that the program would go on until March 4, 2021.
With the extension, youth working under the Cohort ‘A’ were directed to resume work on February 3, 2021.
During a community engagement forum in Kaptembwa, Nakuru County, Oguna on February 12, asked residents to take up opportunities in government to better themselves.
He stated that the opportunities could be accessed through the Youth Enterprise Development Fund, Kenya Youth Employment Opportunities Program (KYEOP), Ajira Digital, Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO), Uwezo Fund, and the Inua Jamii program.
Oguna further asked the youth not to be incited into negative politics by receiving handouts or other favors that would lead to them compromising their conduct.
