Nyandarua County youths have lauded President Uhuru Kenyatta’s move to roll out the third phase of Kazi Mtaani programme, even as the county steering committee awaits further instructions on recruitment.
Terming the allocation of Shs.10 billion for the National Hygiene Programme (NHP) as a relief, the youths noted that the jobs had afforded them decent ways of earning a living.
“I benefitted from the first and the second. The earnings came in handy to bail me out of heavy debts, in addition to providing for my family’s needs,” noted Catherine Wairimu, who started her coffee hawking business from the proceeds.
The youths, while urging the NHP secretariat to reinstate them for the third phase, regretted that a number of them had dropped out to idle at home for lack of discipline.
“We who persisted to the end of phase II should be accorded priority in the recruitment. But those who wish not to be enrolled should give room for other needy cases instead of taking up the jobs and leaving a few to be reporting and undertaking the heavy work,” noted James Kanyutu, saying that the job saved him from gambling and drug use.
The programme that was rolled out last year to help cushion the youths against the effects of Covid 19, benefited over 3, 400 youths in Nyandarua, with an additional 200 being engaged to clear the Gilgil-Nyahururu railway line reserve for refurbishment.
County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo, who chairs the county committee, noted that the committee was awaiting for further instructions from the national secretariat on how to undertake the programme.
“Further clear instructions will be communicated through the Ministry of Housing to allow us roll out the programme. We are likely to retain the ones who served during the first and second phases,” added the Commissioner.
The programme that was halted in February this year, had trenches and storm water drainages maintained, on addition to installation of tree nurseries across the county.
By Anne Sabuni
