The National Government in partnership with the County Government of Kisumu has rolled out Phase Two of the National Hygiene Program dubbed “Kazi Mtaani” in Kisumu today.
At least 7,500 vulnerable youths from Kisumu alone have been absorbed into the Sh. 10 billion program that will enable them cater for their daily needs amidst the ravaging effects of the Global Corona Virus pandemic.
The Principal Secretary in the State Department of ICT Jerome Ochieng’ this afternoon officially launched phase two of the initiative in Otonglo, Kisumu County alongside Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili. The PS who had earlier on paid a courtesy call on the Governor said the program has been upscaled from the initial 5 settlements in Phase One to 17 under Phase Two. He highlighted that the number of project beneficiaries have also been increased from 2,600 to 7500 across the county. Phase Two is set to cover the three sub counties; Kisumu West, Kisumu East and Kisumu Central.
The program set to be rolled out in all the 47 counties received a tremendous increase in its budgetary allocation from Sh. 760 million to Sh.10 billion. This the PS says will enable them employ at least 283, 000 across the Country.
Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o appreciated efforts by the National Government in addressing the issue of unemployment among the youth by enabling them earn something little to take care of their daily needs during this hard-economic time.
Under the partnership arrangement, Governor Nyong’o said that the County through the Department of Environment will take responsibility and provide the cohorts with County Equipment to carry out their activities and return once the work is done.
Under Phase One, the youths were asked to report with their working tools a situation that is currently being handled by both Governments.
“the National Government is trying as much as possible to facilitate the issue of equipment and is working closely with the counties to ensure youths are provided with the necessary equipment including protective gears”. Said PS. Ochieng.
The PS lauded both the National and the County Governments for their close partnership to ensure that the youths are actively involved and left to loiter around.
He challenged the youths to use wisely monies earned from the initiative by engaging in more income generating activities urging them to take advantage of the opportunity to form special groups that will allow them access more resources from the National Youth Fund.
The youths are set to receive a revised daily wage of Sh.455 shillings released biweekly through mobile money transfers for a period of six and a half months when the program comes to an close. The project will inject Sh. 37.5 million shillings into the Kisumu’s economy, something that cannot go unnoticed bearing in mind the struggling economy at this time.
This phase of the program will focus on both skilled and semi skilled activities embarking on a more sustainable approach. In collaboration with the Counties, the program will undertake legacy projects such as beautification of urban areas (tree planting), construction of access roads using cobble stones and rehabilitation of public spaces, such as schools and hospitals. Already, Kisumu County has 50,000 seedlings to be planted within the program.
All the leaders called on the youths to adhere to the requirements for safe working by following all the laid down protocols to combat the spread of Covid – 19.
Also joining the PS during the launch were members of the County Security Team led by the DCCs, Deputy County Commandant, Kisumu West MP Olago Aluoch, Officials from both the National and County Government.
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