Kakamega: Deputy President Kithure Kindiki affirmed that the Kenya Kwanza administration is on track in creating adequate job opportunities to absorb the unemployed Kenyans to enable them to take care of their families. Speaking in Kakamega during an economic empowerment programme on Friday, Prof Kindiki said that in the last two years, the government has employed many Kenyans in different sectors as more opportunities are opening up with the revival of industries and development of infrastructure.
According to Kenya News Agency, the government has employed over 76,000 teachers in the last two years, with 24,000 others set to be recruited in December, which will push the number of teachers employed to over 100,000. Prof Kindiki emphasized that this government is working hard to expand job opportunities for the youth, noting that no previous government has employed more teachers than the current one.
The Deputy President disclosed that the Affordable Housing programme has opened up job opportunities employing over 320,000 Kenyans apart from providing decent homes. Those employed in affordable housing include plumbers, carpenters, engineers, quantity surveyors, and many others engaged in casual labor at the construction sites. The programme aims to construct affordable houses, build modern markets, and construct hostels for students at Masinde Muliro University and Sigalagala National Polytechnic.
Prof Kindiki also mentioned the Kazi Majuu Programme, which has so far enabled 400,000 youth across the country to get jobs abroad. He confirmed that President William Ruto has ordered the Youth Enterprise Fund to provide funds for youth recruited in the Kazi Majuu programme, covering medical examination fees, money for passports, and air tickets to secure the open slots abroad.
He noted that other initiatives such as the ICT Jitume labs established across the country are enabling the youth to acquire digital skills and take up online jobs. Furthermore, the government is reviving collapsed sugar factories and other industries to ensure timely payment and bonuses for farmers and workers.
The Deputy President also highlighted the construction of a gold processing factory in Ikolomani in partnership with the county government, which, once complete, will create many jobs for the youth. Additionally, the construction of the Kakamega Level 6 hospital, completion of the Bukhungu stadium, and construction of markets and roads are clear demonstrations of the government's commitment to uplifting the living standards of Kenyans.
Other initiatives include the ClimateWork programme and the Community Health Promoters initiative, through which the government recruited over 110,000 CHPs to strengthen primary health care. Prof Kindiki reiterated the government's commitment to empowering women, youth, and the elderly to boost their businesses, enabling them to sustain themselves and their families.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi urged citizens from western Kenya to strengthen cooperative societies to pool their efforts and grow the economy. He highlighted the weak state of the cooperative movement in Western Kenya, noting that many people are missing out on the benefits of a sector with over 15 million members and a capital base of Sh1.5 trillion in Kenya.