Calls for President William Ruto to reinstate Kazi Mtaani dominated his tour of Kisumu County on Saturday, August 31, 2024.

Local leaders used the platform to appeal to the Head of State to bring back the programme which was a source of casual employment to the youth in the region.

Addressing the residents at Kisumu Stage, President Ruto promised to revive the Kazi Mtaani programme in a months time.

He challenged the locals to prepare themselves and enrol in the programme when it returned. However, Ruto did not give a specific date, when the programme will be unveiled.

“Nataka niwaambie vijana, hio Kazi mtaani baada ya mwezi mmoja mjipange. Mtajipanga? (I want to tell the young people, that after one month start preparing for Kazi Mtaani. Will you prepare yourselves,” Ruto posed.

More money

During the launch of the affordable housing project in Lumumba, Kisumu County, one of the locals and the citizens’ assembly (Bunge la Wananchi), asked President Ruto to bring back the programme.

Moreover, he requested the Head of State to raise the daily earnings to Ksh1,000. However, President Ruto did not immediately respond to his request.

“Kwa niaba ya wanabunge mtaani, sisi tunasema tunapendezwa na wewe. Kazi Mtaani ikuje as quick as possible. Wakati wa Uhuru Kenyatta ilikuwa Ksh700 tunaomba uilete lakini uiweke Ksh1000 kwa siku (On behalf of the Citizens Assembly, we are pleased with you. Bring back Kazi Mtaani programme as quick as possible. During Uhuru’s time, the payment was Ksh700 but we request you to raise it to Ksh1,000 per day),” he stated.

Focus on environment

Before setting the timeline for Kazi Mtaani reintroduction, Ruto had indicated that the programme would mainly focus on the environment.

He hinted that those who will join the programme will play a vital role in the environment replenishment including planting trees and maintaining the existing ones.

During Uhuru’s reign, youth employed under Kazi Mtaani programme were mainly used to clean towns, streets and various public facilities.

They used to take home between Ksh450 – Ksh500 per day which was remitted after the lapse of the two-week working period.

Despite the success in reducing the unemployment rate, the programme faced several headwinds including delayed payments and stalling.