The Government has rolled out Phase Three of the Kazi Mtaani programme that has seen 8,245 youth in Bungoma taken on board.
Bungoma County Commissioner, Samuel Kimiti, who spoke yesterday during the launch, said that unlike Phase Two that saw 4,000 youth enlisted, Phase Three had doubled the intake.
Kimiti directed Deputy County Commissioners to be vigilant and make sure that all youths on the programme report to work diligently.
Kimiti said the programme has given many graduates from middle level colleges and universities an opportunity to earn a living.
Kimiti said selection of the beneficiaries was done credibly, adding that 268 of those enlisted, have been hired as supervisors.
He said that in Phase One and Two of the programme, Kanduyi, Kimilili, Kabuchai and Webuye, were considered but the Third Phase will cover the entire County.
Kimiti lauded the government for the great initiative that will see many idle youths kept busy at work, especially during this electioneering period.
He said unemployment was the main problem facing many youths in Kenya and the launch of the Kazi Mtaani programme will give them an opportunity to work and earn a living.
Kimiti asked the youths to be committed and stop excessive involvement in politics. He said those who will be found engaging in chaotic politics, risk losing their positions.
“We want all of you to stick to the rules as per the Ministry of Housing. I don’t want to hear that some of you are on the forefront to cause chaos in political campaigns,” Kimiti said.
He asked all youths who have benefited to preach peace in their areas of residence, as they go about their work, so that Bungoma which is a peaceful County will have peaceful elections.
The Administrator urged all youths under the Kazi Mtaani programme to get smartphones as everybody on the programme, will be expected to stay online for ease of monitoring their progress.
Bungoma County Housing Director, Moses Odour, said the programme comes as a relief to many idle youth and will help them to be financially stable, during this harsh economic times.
He said that the Government will strictly evaluate and monitor the work done, before payment.
“We will not hesitate to terminate the contract of those found with disciplinary cases or those who are absent at their workstations, during the necessary working hours”
Township Location Senior Assistant Chief, Christine Mabele, who accompanied the County Commissioner, thanked the youth for turning up for the event in large numbers.
She told the youths to take the opportunity and uplift themselves, “It would be nice to see the youths who have participated in this programme, use the money that they will earn to better their lives.”
Activities that the youth are expected to undertake for the next three months include, drainage clearance, tree planting, cleaning of the town and trimming plants along the roads among others.
Kelvin Sinyora, a beneficiary of the previous programme, thanked the government for the opportunity to work and earn as he was able to learn skills that were valuable to him as a student at University of Nairobi.
By Roseland Lumwamu and Collins Napwora
