This archive report was first published on 16 May 2020.
On May 15, 2020, the national government released Sh10 million to support 2,300 youth in Kisumu County under the National Hygiene Initiative, also known as kazimtaani.
The initiative, launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta last month, aims to cushion the youth affected by measures to contain the spread of coronavirus.
Interior Principal Administration Secretary Thuku Kang'ethe inspected the program in Kisumu and reported good progress in informal settlements such as Obunga, Nyalenda A, Nyalenda B, Manyatta A, and Manyatta B.
Speaking during the inspection, Kang'ethe stated that the program has positively impacted the youth, reducing cases of insecurity in the informal settlements.
He added that the national government is enlisting more youth in Nyando and Nyakach sub-counties to cushion them against the loss caused by floods.
The initiative is being piloted in eight counties, including Kisumu, Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Kiambu, Kilifi, Kwale, and Mandera.
According to Kang'ethe, the program will be scaled up in phase two, targeting over 200,000 youth to be engaged in casual jobs.
During the second phase, the national government will partner with the implementing counties to provide tools and Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to the youth.
Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili expressed the county government's interest in sustaining the program after the national government pulls out.
By Chris Mahandara
