The Kiambu county administration and the national government are mulling over the sustainability of the National Hygiene programme (NHP) that will see young people recruited to offer services in respective areas.
The two levels of government have held consultative talks ahead of a tour of the Kiambu County informal settlement areas, which have been selected for piloting of the programme dubbed, “Kazi Mtaani”.
At least 2,300 youths have been deployed on the programme in various schemes within the county.
Leading a multi agency team from the National government, the Housing and Urban Development Principal Secretary (PS), Charles Hinga while on a monitoring exercise of the programme in region underscored the need for partnership with the devolved unit to ensure continuity of the programme.
Speaking on Friday after a brief from the County Commissioner (CC), Wilson Wanyanga, the PS noted that the impact created by the cohorts, currently engaged in the hygiene activities was remarkable and at the end of the programme, it was important to put in place measures that would sustain it.
“It is for this reason that we in national government and counties are working together towards seeing the continuity of the programme since most of the activities they are engaged in are devolved,” Hinga said, when he paid a courtesy call on the Kiambu Governor, Dr. James Nyoro.
The programme, launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta last April will be held in two phases. Since inception, the youth have lauded the government for engaging them and many have appealed for permanent engagement.
Dr. Nyoro appreciated the work being executed by the cohorts deployed in various parts of the region, saying they had given the county a facelift.
“I agree with the national government that the work this team was doing since it was engaged cannot go without praise. I definitely agree that we need to work as a team to give service to the people of Kiambu and by engaging such young energetic people, we shall not regret,” said Nyoro.
The governor added that it was necessary to retain the cohorts considering the fact that the wages they were being paid ended up being spent in their respective areas therefore improving the lives of the people.
He added that sustaining the programme would create more job opportunities for the people as more companies would be assured of a reliable market for their products. “The equipment to be used will be sourced from within, thereby sustaining jobs in those companies,” said Dr. Nyoro.
Others in the tour was the Director of Administration in the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government Mr. Paul Famba who previously served as the Deputy County Commissioner for Kikuyu sub-county and officials from the County department of housing.
After consultative meetings, the team toured Kiandutu, Kyangombe, Kibagare, Kabete Njeru and Shauri yako settlements scheme in Kikuyu.
By Lydia Shiloya
