Ways to make Kazi Mtaani programme beneficial to Kenya’s youth

Nairobi County Council workers and Kazi Mtaani youths rehabilitate Nairobi streets by planting flowers on sidewalks and pavements in the beautification of the city. [David Gichuru, Standard]

At last week’s Mashujaa Day celebrations, President Uhuru Kenyatta reignited the hopes of unemployed Kenyan youth by promoting the Kazi Mtaani initiative, a safety net programme for unemployed youth in densely populated areas, especially in urban areas.

The programme that started after the Covid-19 outbreak last year has positively impacted the lives of thousands of young people in terms of their consumption, reduction in vulnerabilities, social inclusion and improved socio-economic wellbeing. Some of the programme beneficiaries lost their jobs following company closures due to the pandemic.