Nyandarua County Government has been challenged to supplement the National Hygiene Programme (Kazi Mtaani) in order to improve cleanliness of urban centres in the area.
Local leaders called on the County Government to work closely with Kazi Mtaani cohorts, hired under the Programme to supplement the work the youths were doing in the region.
The leaders said, by supporting the National Hygiene Programme, the County Government would help transform cleanliness in major towns to better standards.
Led by Ol-Kalou Member of Parliament (MP), Njuguna Kiaraho, the leaders challenged the County to use a share of the money allocated to it under the Kenya Urban Support Program (KUSP) to change the face of the urban centres.
Kiaraho said that Nyandarua should bring on board experts who would help guide on various works being undertaken by the cohorts such as opening trenches and designing sewer systems.
“Now that we have this programme, I would like to request the office of the Governor to use some of the money allocated for urban development to rehabilitate drainage systems and open up some of the roads through the help of these youths hired under the Kazi Mtaani programme,” said Kiaraho.
His sentiments were echoed by County Women Rep, Faith Gitau, who challenged the youths to not only come out with financial gain from the programme, but also with lifetime skills.
“I would like to urge you to at least learn something from the programme so that after six months, one can at least join a Technical and Vocational institutions to advance that knowledge,” she advised.
“You should also consider starting projects that will ensure you survive beyond the Covid-19 pandemic, using the money you earn from the programme,” she said.
On his part, the Nyandarua County Commissioner, Boaz Cherutich noted that about 3,900 youths in the County had been hired in the programme to cushion them against the effects of Covid-19 pandemic.
The Administrator noted that the youths would help open up feeder roads, unclog drainages, dig pit latrines, clean and plant trees in the informal settlements.
He added that the youths would also get training on different programmes that would help them after the initiative is over and learn on how to benefit themselves through different government kitties.
The leaders were speaking in Ol-kalou town where they presided over at the Kazi Mtaani launch.
By Jesse Mwitwa/ Anne Sabuni
