At least 2,200 young people from five wards in Makueni County have benefited under the Ajira Kwa Vijana Programme, an initiative aimed at creating short term employment opportunities in supporting community development.
The initiative that has been initiated in the Department of Gender, Children, Youth and Sports, targets recruiting young people to do bush clearing, unblocking of drainages, sanitation and road cleaning works, whereby they will be paid Sh600 per day.
“The programme is designed to enhance road accessibility, reduce erosion and improve community well-being, while giving our youth a chance to earn a decent income,” said the Nziu Sub Ward Administrator Festus Belenzi, while speaking to Kenya News Agency in his Wote town office, Makueni Sub County, Tuesday.
He disclosed that the youths are currently doing work at Wote/Nziu, Muvau/Kikumini, Ukia, Kee and Kathozweni Wards.
The projects being undertaken include Kikuyuni–Makuli, Chomboaso–Nduanguni–Itandi–Yumbuni, Nzua–Kobai–Mikwani, Kyanga–Muthyoi–Kathuma,Ndipuni–Kathuma,
Febi–Makuli Roads
Other roads are Prisons–Nduanguni–Malivani Junction, Mateso–Kwe Kavi–Mwaani Boys–Kwa Jones, Kwa Nguu–Muambani–Catholic–Kamende–Nyunzu, Kwa Kwinga–Kyule, Kivandini–Katoloni–Kwa Kyungu–Kwa Kisingili Roads, to mention a few.
In another development, the sub ward administrator also said that the programme addresses youth unemployment by providing practical work experience and sensitisation on social issues such as integrity, drug and substance abuse, HIV/AIDS and environmental conservation.
The beneficiaries earn wages for their work, enabling them to meet basic needs and support their families amid the prevailing economic challenges.
The Ajira kwa Vijana Programme is part of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s agenda to create jobs and improve service delivery at the grassroots level.
The initiative is expected to further strengthen youth empowerment efforts while contributing to sustainable community development across Makueni County.
By Filister Ndinda
