The government has issued a tough directive to the youth picked for the Kazi Mtaani program, an initiative designed to cushion the most vulnerable youth in the informal settlements from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Housing and Urban Development Principal Secretary, Charles Hinga, announced that the government will not employ youth who have not been vaccinated.
In posts on his official social media account, the PS explained that the government was looking to ensure that young people working under the programme have received at least one jab in a bid to protect the population.
PS Hinga further stated that young people who have applied for the Kazi Mtaani jobs will be required to show proof of vaccination before they are allowed into the programme which starts as soon as Parliament approves the funds.
"Encouraging the over one million young people enrolled into the Kazi Mtaani program to get their Covid-19 jab. You must show evidence that you have received at least 1 jab (if 2 jabs are required). This is key to recruitment," the PS stated.
"If you get Covid and you are not vaccinated, it will cost you a lot of money as Covid is not covered by medical insurance. You might require admission which takes up vital resources when we are trying to revive the economy. So the long and short is vaccination is good for us all," he added.
The Housing and Urban Development PS also clarified that the government will not force young people who have applied to join the programme to get vaccinated but they will not compromise on the directive.
This means those who will not have received the jab by the time the Kazi Mtaani initiate kicks off will not be allowed to participate in the programme.
"I’ve seen a lot of negative comments on the issue of vaccination. Getting vaccinated protects you and protects your co-workers. It is free, and you have a choice as to which jab to take."
"Lastly, we shall not force you to be jabbed, but it will be irresponsible of us to allow you to be a risk to yourself and to others. Get info on the nearest health centre and get your jab. You still have a few more days to get it done," PS Hinga advised.
The State Department for Housing and Urban Development announced it was recruiting inexperienced, experienced, and semi-experienced youths in phase three of the Kazi Mtaani programme.
The workstreams include activities such as construction works using Appropriate Building Materials and Technologies (ABMT), construction of hostels in selected TVETS, construction works to complete previously stalled economic stimulus program market, construction works to remove asbestos roofing in government estates.
