Aden Duale: More Than 13,000 Nairobi Youth To Be Employed Under Climate Kazi Mtaani Initiative

• In July 2024, President William Ruto hinted at plans to revive the Kazi Mtaani initiative, which was introduced during Uhuru Kenyatta's regime
• Environment Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale affirmed Ruto's promise while launching the Climate Mtaani WorX initiative
• Dual said under the scheme, more than 13,000 Nairobi youth will be employed to clean rivers and plant trees
• A government official revealed to TUKO.co.ke that 65,000 Kenyans have already applied for the programme

TUKO.co.ke journalist Wycliffe Musalia has over five years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting and offers deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.

Nairobi residents, especially young people seeking jobs, could soon be employed under the government's Kazi Mtaani initiative.

Environment Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale announced plans to engage the youth in the country's climate solution agenda.

Which jobs will Duale give Nairobi youth?

Speaking during a preparatory meeting for the Climate WorX Mtaani initiative in Nairobi on Tuesday, September 10, Duale said the programme will enrol over 13,000 youth.

The CS explained that the youth will be engaged in cleaning the Nairobi, Ngong, and Mathari Rivers.

"This program aims to engage over 13,000 youth in Nairobi county in climate action by cleaning up the Nairobi, Ngong, and Mathari Rivers, addressing environmental and public health concerns," said Duale.

The former defence CS noted that the project is part of the government's 15 billion Tree Growing Initiative.

He added that the youth will be involved in the tree planting exercise agenda, waste management, and improving sanitation in informal settlements.

"In line with the 15 Billion National Tree Growing Programme, this workforce will also support tree planting efforts to strengthen climate resilience in Nairobi, including waste management, roads, improved sanitation (informal settlements), landscaping of riparian corridors, and Ecosystem restoration," he noted.

How to apply for Climate WorX Mtaani

Youth are required to apply for the programme by filling in their details online via the Climate WorX website.

In an exclusive response to TUKO.co.ke, a government official, who is not authorised to speak to media, disclosed that 65,000 Kenyans had applied for the jobs.

"65,000 people have already applied for the Climate WorX Mtaani Programme launched by President William Ruto," the official reaveled.

Ruto's plan to revive Kazi Mtaani

In 2022, President William Ruto scrapped the Kazi Mtaani initiative executed under Uhuru Kenyatta's administration, vowing to employ the youths in a tree-planting exercise.

However, in July 2024, during his visit to Nakuru county, the head of state hinted at reviving the initiative to create employment for youth.

Ruto directed contractors in the ongoing construction of the bus park in Nakuru town to increase the number of youth working on the project.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke