President William Ruto has officially announced the nationwide rollout of the Kazi Mtaani initiative, a youth employment program that was previously abolished in 2022.
Speaking during the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations held on Sunday, June 1, at the newly refurbished Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County, the President said the government has resolved to bring back the program as part of its broader plan to create job opportunities for young people across Kenya.
“Stepping into long-term employment, the youth of Homa Bay, please be prepared,” Ruto said. “From next week, we will be rolling out Kazi Mtaani across the country. 100,010 youths will benefit from the program.”
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The revival of Kazi Mtaani is expected to provide a lifeline for thousands of unemployed youth, offering short-term jobs in areas such as urban sanitation, road maintenance, and public infrastructure support.
The announcement was met with applause and optimism from residents and leaders in the region, many of whom had long called for the return of the initiative, which previously offered income opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki also spoke during the ceremony. Kindiki called for greater inclusivity in national governance and urged leaders to integrate youth in decision-making processes.
“I want to appeal that we also bring on board all generations,” Kindiki stated. “The younger people, the older people, the children, and even the generations to come. No generation is superior to the other.”
He emphasized that sustainable progress in Kenya can only be achieved through unity and intergenerational collaboration. “Even the unborn, when they arrive in the world through Kenya, they will have a role to play,” he added.
Kindiki also paid tribute to ODM leader Raila Odinga, hailing him as a pioneer in Kenya’s political journey. “Mr. Raila Odinga is a pioneer. He has moved the politics of Kenya forward before some of us even arrived on the scene. He is courageous and patient enough to always consider Kenya greater than each one of us,” he said.
The event was marked by national pride, unity, and an emphasis on youth empowerment, as thousands gathered to commemorate the day Kenya attained internal self-rule 62 years ago.