The Kazi Mtaani National Hygiene Program (NHP) meant to cushion the youth against loss of livelihoods due to the effects of Covid-19 pandemic has been launched in Garissa.
The program that is being implemented jointly by the National and County governments was launched last financial year in Mandera and will now be rolled out countrywide this financial year.
The program will see more than 3,000 youth from the 7 sub-counties of Garissa, Dadaab, Hulugho, Ijara, Lagdera, Fafi and Balambala benefit.
Launching the program at Government guest house in Garissa town on Tuesday, the Garissa County Commissioner (CC), Meru Mwangi said the program initiated by President Uhuru Kenyatta will mainly target youth from Garissa.
“Youth from major urban centres who have been heavily affected by job losses at the sub-county level will also be targeted,” Mwangi said.
The CC said that chiefs and their assistants are under strict instructions to ensure only deserving cases benefit from the program.
“All chiefs and their assistants are under strict instructions to ensure that the Nyumba Kumi clusters are used to ensure fairness. They should also ensure that only genuine and deserving cases are enlisted,” Mwangi noted.
“We will not entertain any monkey business in this noble idea. Those who engage in corrupt practices and nepotism can as well count themselves jobless,” he added.
The youth will be paid Sh.455 per day and will be working for 11 days every month with their wages being wired weekly via mobile money transfers.
Those engaged will be involved in paving access paths, streets cleaning, fumigation and disinfection of public places, garbage collection, bush clearing, unclogging of drainage among other social work.
The County Secretary, Abdi Sheikh called on the youth to take advantage of the program to earn a living during the pandemic instead of burdening their parents.
“This is a noble initiative that will provide social relief for our youth who have lost their jobs due to effects of Covid-19 pandemic while at the same time, keeping our town clean,” Abdi said.
The program is expected to commence in the course of this month while recruitment will be carried out at grassroot level by committees headed by chiefs and their assistants.
By Jacob Songok
