Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has appealed to President William Ruto to reinstate the "Kazi Mtaani" programme, citing its positive impact In the county.
The programme was terminated in October 2022 by President Ruto. The Head of State deemed the programme obsolete stating that it did not provide adequate income and opportunities for the youth.
Speaking during the launch of InnovativeNairobi2023 in South C, Sakaja pointed out that the initiative had culminated in a 47 per cent decrease in crime rates in Nairobi and provided youth with a viable avenue to earn an honest living.
The first time Governor argued that the move would be a step in the right direction especially at the moment when Nairobi residents are grappling with the high cost of living.
"We have asked the president to return Kazi Mtaani and if not in the initial form, we can engage in available activities such as growing trees and building houses," Sakaja stated.
While delivering his speech, Sakaja also fired a warning to land grabbers, who he accused of resorting to impunity to force their way and acquire land illegitimately. He cited the instance where an MCA had built a commercial complex on land reserved for developing a hospital.
"In one year Nairobi has settled. People are working both Kenya Kwanza and Azimio. We fear no one," he stated.
"The only people I fear is the people of Nairobi, the ones who employed me. Nairobi can’t be lead by a coward. I want to assure the people of Nairobi that we will protect your property."
Kazi Mtaani
The Kazi Mtaani project was introduced by former President Uhuru Kenyatta's administration in April 2020 to provide employment opportunities for the youth at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The programme centered around sanitation activities, where youth were paid to clean up various estates within Nairobi.
The programme provided a daily rate of Ksh455 for workers and Ksh505 for supervisors. Over 280,000 youth benefited from the programme during the first and second phases, with the government disbursing Ksh1.3 billion and Ksh2.4 billion for each respective phase.
In October 2022, Ruto terminated the programme, reiterating his administration's focus on the Affordable Housing project to amplify job creation and transform settlement schemes.
