Beneficiaries of the National Hygiene Programme “Kazi Mtaani” have been urged to spend money earned from the programme wisely for the benefit of their families and communities at large.
The Fisheries, Aquaculture and Blue Economy Principal Secretary (PS), Prof. Micheni Ntiba said ‘Kazi Mtaani’ is part of a stimulus programme to save the economy from collapsing due to the negative effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
“You should desist from purchasing expensive goods from the proceeds of the programme and focus on investing in productive ventures that will not only benefit your immediate family members but the society at large,” said the PS.
Speaking during the official launch of the ‘Kazi Mtaani’ programme in Chuka town on Monday, Prof. Ntiba said the stimulus programme is aimed at saving the world economy and hence it would be dangerous to squander the proceeds on unnecessary expenditure that can wait for good times.
He further disclosed that the programme is targeted to clean the environment since it is already clear that most illnesses spread faster in unhygienic conditions.
“The constant sanitising, washing hands and social distancing has curbed the spread of not only Covid-19 but also other diseases such as common flu. Cleanliness is next to Godliness,” said the PS.
He said it needs not be overemphasized that most landlords and other entrepreneurs who own storey buildings in major towns have a humble background and hence the Sh. 455 per day being paid to the youth is not too little to save and invest into profitable ventures.
Meanwhile, Prof. Ntiba took the opportunity to remind Tharaka Nithi residents that the future of the fishing industry is in fish farming and hence the need for the residents to strive for an early lead in investing in the industry.
“Fishing in oceans, lakes and rivers are limited since humanity has little control over their spatial population but with modern technology there is no limit to the quantity and quality of fish a farmer can produce and hence this is the future of the fishing industry,” said the PS.
The PS was accompanied by the Huduma Kenya CEO, James Buyekane representing State Department for Public Service and Gender Principal Secretary, Mary Kimonye among others.
By David Mutwiri