The Education Principal Secretary (PS), Dr. Belio Kipsang has termed the Kazi Mtaani programme as an initiative to regenerate the economy through giving Kenyans confidence that they can rebuild the country following the devastating effects of Covid-19.
The PS said the program through the various activities which will be undertaken by the youth, will show that Kenyans can continue engaging in economic activities as long as they follow Ministry of Health guidelines.
Speaking when he launched the Kazi Mtaani program at the Kenya Medical Training College, Iten on Monday, the PS called on Kenyans to continue washing hands, sanitizing, keeping social distancing and wearing facemasks to check the spread of the coronavirus.
“If we can maintain the above guidelines, then we can be able to regenerate and move forward as a country and ensure continuity, the effects of covid-19 notwithstanding,” he said.
Dr. Kipsang therefore called on the 2,248 youth to make a difference in their respective areas by ensuring that the Sh.87 million, which will be injected by the national government in the county, makes an impact into the economy of Iten municipality.
“You should not look at the Sh.455 that you will be paid per day and consider it a small amount but think of the big picture of the total amount of money that will be spent within the municipality,” Belio said.
Noting that the programme had been upgraded to include more technical duties, the PS urged the youth to take it as an opportunity to transfer skills.
The Elgeyo Marakwet AIC Bishop, Dr. David Kipsoi advised the youth not to look down and despise small beginnings saying they can use the funds to build themselves and start income generating activities.
He appealed to them to guard their character and behavior as they undertake their duties, saying this is what will make them engage in meaningful activities from the proceeds of the Kazi Mtaani initiative.
“The problem we have in this country is that we have professionals who put to shame the meaning of the word through lack of good behavior and character,” he lamented.
A village elder Anthony Kibet thanked the President for starting the programme, saying most youth had started engaging in abuse of drugs and other criminal activities.
“It is therefore important to engage them especially given that the youth have a lot of energy which if not harnessed positively can be detrimental to the society,” he said.
By Alice Wanjiru
