This archive report was first published on 14 May 2020.
As the country continues to grapple with the economic impact of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Kenyan government has announced an ambitious plan to provide monthly stipends to at least 350,000 jobless citizens.
According to Labour CS Simon Chelugui, the stipends will be sent through mobile money services to support those who have lost their jobs due to the pandemic.
Chelugui stated that the Ministry's focus is on ensuring livelihoods are sustained, and that the government will go out of its way to support those affected by the pandemic.
The worst-hit sectors include warehousing, retail, hotel and accommodation, with over 600,000 workers losing their jobs.
As part of its efforts to support the jobless, the Ministry has also created a toll-free number (0800211168) and an email address to receive reports and complaints from the public.
Chelugui emphasized that the government's plan is based on the recent household survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, as well as engagement with social partners, including the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) and the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU).
