A section of youth from Kimumu ward in Moiben Sub-County on Thursday evening protested over what they claimed was lack of transparency and credibility in Kazi Mtaani recruitment exercise in the area.
The government recently launched phase three of the Kazi mtaani Initiative across the country under which 600 slots have been allocated for youths from Kimumu ward.
Youth from the area however marched to Ainaptich location chief’s office demanding for transperecy in recruitment.
They claimed the area chief was engaging in cuorruption.
Led by Antony Kipkemboi, the youth also claimed that those who were picked for the initiative were not from the ward and never deserved to be beneficiaries.
“There have been tribalism in the process of shortlisting leaving out those who were supposed to be recruited,” complained Millicent Ogola whose name she claimed was removed from the list.
The youths also called on the Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Stephen Kihara to intervene and do away with bribery and nepotism witnessed during the ongoing Kazi Mtaani recruitment.
“All jobs in Kenya are full of corruption. There is nepotism in Kazi Mtaani recruitment, construction contracts and also permanent jobs and it saddens when a person cannot be employed without having connections,” said Brian Lagat.
However, the youths promised to accept a list of those that will be picked, but on condition that transparency and openness is embraced in the recruitment exercise.
The National Hygiene Program (NHP) dubbed Kazi Mtaani was first launched in April 2020 as a local economic recovery initiative by the government to employ youths and vulnerable citizens in informal settlements.
Ksh10 billion was allocated by the government in the 2020/2021 financial year to facilitate the initiative which also seeks to address the challenges of unemployment affecting the young people.
Speaking during the recent launch of the initiative’s third phase, State Department of Housing and Urban Development Principal Secretary Charles Hinga had assured that the recruitment would not be discriminatory.
“We know that many young people relied on the Kazi Mtaani program which has greatly helped in reducing theft and drug abuse among the youths,” the PS said.
