This archive report was first published on 12 June 2020.
On June 12, 2020, the Kenyan government announced a significant allocation to the youth in the newly proposed budget.
The Ksh 10 billion allocation, part of the 'Kazi Mtaani' youth programme, is aimed at providing jobs and relief to unemployed youths who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yattani, the funds will help support youths in various parts of the country, including those in urban slums.
The 'Kazi Mtaani' programme was rolled out by President Uhuru Kenyatta in April and initially targeted 8 counties, including Kiambu, Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale, Nakuru, Mandera, Kilifi, and Kisumu.
Workers above the age of 18 will earn a daily wage for taking up duties such as 'street' cleaning, fumigation and disinfection, garbage collection, bush clearance, and drainage unclogging services.
As stated by Housing PS Charles Hinga, the programme aims to provide social relief by providing jobs and facilitating hygiene interventions to help contain the COVID-19 pandemic in informal urban settlements.
