Jobless youth in the country have been urged to register in large numbers for the upcoming Phase III of the Kazi Mtaani program by the National Government which is designed to cushion the most vulnerable youth in the informal settlements from the harsh economic effects due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Speaking during his tour of Kericho County to inspect various government projects, the Principal Secretary (PS), State Department of Housing and Urban Development, Mr Charles Hinga, said this time round the youth will be required to register through the Kazi Mtaani Management System portal, adding that the online system will ensure the recruitment is timely, transparent and equitable for all.
The PS said the recruitment process of the third phase of the Kazi Mtaani Programme is set to begin today Friday, November 19th, 2021 in over 900 informal settlements across all counties and will run to the end of June 2022.
He said the youth will be carrying out projects concentrated in and around informal settlements with the aim of improving the environment, service delivery and providing income generation opportunities for the youth.
Hinga said the Third Phase that officially kicks-off in December will also empower the youth with life skills in self-employment through developing in them a saving culture.
He encouraged them to form and register groups, establish social enterprises and apply for funding from Government Affirmative Funds.
During the courtesy call to Kericho Governor, Prof. Paul Chepkwony, the Principal Secretary discussed various areas of collaboration between the National and County governments on matters of housing and urban infrastructure development. The Governor was flanked by County Executive Committee Member (CECM) In-Charge of Land, Housing and Physical Planning, Barnabas Ngeno.
The Principal Secretary accompanied by Kipkelion East Constituency Member of Parliament (MP), Joseph Limo, inspected various National Government infrastructural developments in Kericho County that included the official opening of the Kiptenden Road in Londiani.
PS Hinga also presided over the opening of the 3.5 kilometres Kedowa- Manyatta road in Kipkelion East which was also constructed through the Slum Upgrading programme.
Meanwhile, the East African Planners Convention (2021) has ranked Kericho top in Kenya for Spatial Planning and Urban Governance and is recognized for exemplary efforts in enacting county policies, legislations, and spatial plans.
Kericho was lauded for becoming the first county in the history of devolution in Kenya to enact and gazette the County Spatial Plan and developing numerous urban development plans, establishing a new Municipality for Litein town and pioneering the regularization of unauthorized developments.
The convention was organized by the Kenya Institute of Planners and attended by delegates from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and South Africa in an event held in Malindi, Kilifi County.
By Kibe Mburu
