This archive report was first published on 21 May 2020.
On 19th May, the Nairobi County Commissioner, Flora Mworoa, led a team of government officers on a tour of the Mukuru kwa Reuben settlement to assess the impact of the Kazi Mtaani programme.
Launched by the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, the programme has recruited over 26,000 youth in informal settlements across Nairobi County.
The programme aims to integrate jobless Kenyan youth in urban hygiene and sanitation works, including clearing drainages, collecting garbage, and sweeping roads.
During a joint tour of Mathare, Korogocho, Mukuru, and Kibera, the team found that the majority of the youth were in support of the programme, citing its potential to meet their basic needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking at various sites, Director of Administration Paul Famba emphasized that the programme is designed to cushion vulnerable youth in informal settlements by providing them with an income.
He urged the youth to utilize their daily wages properly and warned against misusing the money on alcohol.
The government has also assured residents of the affected areas that they will provide working tools, such as gumboots and gloves, to protect themselves from COVID-19.
Nairobi County Commissioner Flora Mworoa called on the youth to embrace discipline and use the opportunity wisely, noting that the government is contemplating expanding the programme to engage more youth.
