Solicitor-General Ken Ogeto has asked the youth engaged in National Hygiene Programme (NHP) dubbed ‘Kazi Mtaani’ to invest money earned from the programme wisely instead of wasting it on drugs, gambling and other social vices.
Speaking at Kebirigo market in Nyamira County on Friday while launching the programme, Mr Ogeto advised them to use the money wisely to improve their livelihood.
The Solicitor-General said that even if the work meant to cushion them against Covid-19 pandemic is temporary, whatever little they are paid should be used wisely to create a positive impact both on their lives and those who depend on them.
“Securing a job, even for a day’s wage in this unprecedented times where Corona has affected everyone, is a great privilege that requires one to spend their hard earned cash prudently. Most employers are currently laying off employees because of the economic crisis hurting their businesses which can no longer allow them retain all their staff on job,” Ogeto observed.
He asked them to use the money to start income generating activities like farming and businesses to enable them to be self-reliant and lead a decent life.
“The most coveted white collar jobs in which majority of you have admirable qualifications are limited and cannot accommodate millions of jobless youth and I’m encouraging our youth to spend these money in initiating small businesses in various sectors like agriculture, jua-kali sector and other innovations to enable them earn handsomely and live decently,” he said.
Nyamira County Commmissioner, Amos Mariba who was present asked residents to support and give the youth recruited to the national government programme ample time while working in their areas to make towns, markets and public places clean.
“The vulnerable youths who have benefitted from the programme must be ready to get guidance from the municipality employees who have expertise in handling the work especially on technical assignments because it’s a partnership with the county government who are in full support of the programme,’’ the County Commissioner said.
Nyamira County Secretary, James Ntabo thanked President Uhuru Kenyatta for starting the initiative to engage vulnerable youth in the clean-up exercise which will curb idleness and getting lured into criminal activities.
By Deborah Bochere
