Kajiado: More than 1,200 youth in Kajiado County are set to benefit from the newly launched Climate Works Programme, a national climate action and job creation initiative targeting youth aged 18 to 35. The program, which mirrors the Kazi Mtaani initiative, was launched as part of the government's strategy to address youth unemployment while promoting environmental restoration.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kajiado County Commissioner James Taari reiterated that the Climate WorX project is a flagship youth employment initiative aimed at building sustainable, climate-resilient communities. The recruitment process, which is being conducted online through the Climate Resilience Service Programme (CRSP) portal, prioritizes inclusivity with strong attention to gender balance, youth from informal settlements, and persons with disabilities.
Taari revealed that youth selected for the programme will be engaged in a range of climate-smart and green economy activities. The program focuses on three key areas, including roads and infrastructure, environmental conservation, and housing and urban development. Participants will be involved in projects such as construction, maintenance, and greening of road infrastructure; tree planting and tree nursery development; solid waste management; rehabilitation of riparian lands; and urban beautification.
The program will also offer civic education and workplace readiness training to prepare participants for future employment or entrepreneurship. Under the initiative, beneficiaries will work in alternating two-week shifts over a six-month period, earning Sh500 per day, while supervisors receive Sh550 daily. Payments will be made biweekly via mobile money platforms. A County Implementation Committee has already been established to facilitate the roll-out and ensure smooth coordination.
Some of the priority areas and informal settlements where the works will be done include Majengo, Kumpa, Bulls's Eye, Pilwa, Gataka, Kware, Isinya, Ololua, Kimana, Kiserian, Ole Kesasi, Kitengela, Gichagi, Poka, Emarti, and Embulbul, among others. Youth in Kajiado County have welcomed the program and expressed optimism about being selected to participate in it. Julie Sanaipei, 24, a resident of the Majengo slums in Kajiado town, expressed her optimism about the initiative, noting that it was encouraging to see the government prioritizing youth employment and the environment.
Another hopeful applicant, Peter Lemayian from Saina Estate, shared similar sentiments. As a young man with a background in landscaping, he mentioned that he has been struggling to find consistent work and believes that the Climate Works Programme aligns perfectly with his skills and passion. Lemayian is excited about the training opportunities as it could open doors for him to start his own business in the future.