-
26,000 youth in Kisii County are set to benefit from the Kazi Mashinani programme, an initiative officially launched by Kisii Governor Simba Arati at Nyamarambe Stadium on Tuesday, June 30.
-
Those assigned will be involved in garbage collection and waste management in all towns, and maintenance of rural roads across the county.
At least 26,000 youth in Kisii County are set to benefit from the Kazi Mashinani programme, an initiative officially launched by Kisii Governor Simba Arati at Nyamarambe Stadium on Tuesday, June 30.
The initiative, a County Government job-creation drive targeting unemployed youth, will engage beneficiaries in short-term public works and service projects across all nine sub-counties in Kisii for the next six months.
Speaking during the occasion, Governor Arati said those assigned will be involved in garbage collection and waste management in all towns, and maintenance of rural roads across the county. Other tasks will include market and hospital cleaning, tree planting, school renovations, and community environmental clean-ups.
Under the programme, each youth will earn a daily stipend of Ksh 500 for up to 20 working days per month. The county administration confirmed that recruitment was done transparently through ward administrators and youth leaders to ensure fairness and inclusion of vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities and young mothers.
“Kazi Mashinani is not just about giving the youth money. It is about dignity, skills, and community service,” Governor Arati said. “We expect these 26,000 youth to leave a mark by cleaning our towns, rehabilitating schools, and greening our environment.”
ALSO READ:
Maasai Mara varsity ushers in new era as council members take oath of office
The Governor asked school leavers and even those who are yet to join university to engage themselves in the exercise to help them get the start-up money they will need for the yearned development.
Jackine Migosi, who is waiting to be placed in university, expressed her hope of having secured a chance in the programme. She said the money will help her with part of her university shopping.
The launch at Nyamarambe Stadium drew thousands of young people from Kisii Central, Nyaribari Chache, Nyaribari Masaba, South Mugirango, and other constituencies.
According to organisers, beneficiaries will be issued with branded reflector jackets and tools for their assigned tasks, with work expected to begin immediately after induction. Supervisors from the county public works department will monitor attendance and project delivery.
Youth leaders welcomed the programme, saying it comes at a time when many graduates are struggling with unemployment. “This is a relief for many households. We ask that the exercise remains free of politics and reaches those who need it most,” said a youth representative.
ALSO READ:
Kapenguria University College to welcome first students in August as academic programmes begin
The County Government has indicated that Kazi Mashinani will be rolled out in phases across all wards, with Kisii town and major market centers being the first areas of implementation for the 26,000-slot allocation.
Officials added that a monitoring desk has been set up at the county headquarters to handle complaints, verify attendance, and ensure timely payment of stipends through M-Pesa.
Residents and business owners in Kisii town have expressed optimism that the clean-up and rehabilitation works will improve sanitation and restore order in markets and public spaces.
By Enock Okong’o
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
