This archive report was first published on 19 July 2020.
On July 19, 2020, Raila Odinga, the African envoy and leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), praised the government's Kazi Mtaani Initiative, saying it will equip youth with necessary skills to market themselves in the future.
According to Raila, the initiative has provided employment to youths who have been relying on handouts since the pandemic. He noted that charities and handouts do not translate to skills and therefore do not contribute to building their careers.
Raila likened the Kazi Mtaani Initiative to the famous Kazi Kwa Vijana initiative launched in 2009 to cushion Kenyans from the economic impact of the Post Election Violence in 2008.
He acknowledged that there were administrative challenges experienced during the programme but pointed out that they were vital in helping guide the Kazi Mtaani Initiative to benefit Kenyans.
When the initiative was launched, those who were given jobs were each paid KSh 600 per day, but this was later reduced to KSh 400 per day to have as many youths as possible enrolled in the program.
However, there have been concerns that some chiefs have been favouring their close relatives and friends in the programme.
