By Betty Luke
Youths in the Government’s National Hygiene Program commonly known as Kazi Mtaani have asked the Isiolo County Government to establish a Youth Service program that will benefit them once the State program ends.
The cohorts through their supervisors said they were worried as the program that had created jobs to more than 3, 000 youths in Bulapesa, Wabera and Burat wards is ending this week.
The team appealed to Governor Mohamed Kuti administration to introduce a program similar to Meru County’s Youth Service that has created job opportunities for hundreds of youths and helped keep them away from drugs.
Mr Noor Juma Osman said it was unfortunate that despite allocation of funds for youth empowerment by the county, none of the youths had benefited, saying it was the high time the county empowers the group.
“Our county government should emulate other counties that are empowering their youths through such initiatives,” he said.
Mr Osman noted that the Kazi Mtaani program had greatly assisted the group and the county should offer perfect transition by providing a lasting solution.
His sentiments were echoed by Ms Sofia Guyo Halake who asked the Governor to fulfill the promise he made to them when they submitted the proposal to help curb insecurity and other vices mostly committed by young people.
She added that the Kazi Mtaani initiative had helped her pay school fees for her child but was now worried on the step to take when it ends.
“I do not know what I will do once the program is completed,” said Ms Halake.
The group asked President Uhuru Kenyatta to extend the initiative to enable them continue earning a living.
“We thank the president for the great initiative but also request that it be extended so we do not go back to drugs and substance abuse,” said Mr Adan Hassan, the Isiolo Kazi Mtaani Chair.
