Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has reassured the public that the Kenya Kwanza administration’s job creation program is progressing well, with multiple initiatives aimed at providing both short-term and long-term employment. Speaking at an inter-ministerial meeting on Thursday, Kindiki emphasized the government’s commitment to accelerating job creation efforts, ensuring that more citizens are engaged in meaningful employment.
Kindiki noted that the job creation strategy goes beyond the traditional concept of permanent, pensionable jobs. Reflecting on the President William Ruto-led administration’s campaign theme “Kazi Ni Kazi” (A job is a job), the Deputy President highlighted that any job, whether temporary or permanent, plays a crucial role in providing financial stability to individuals and families.
The government’s job creation efforts span several sectors, including public service, security, and partnerships with the private sector. Kindiki also pointed out specific initiatives like the affordable housing program, where over 160,000 youth have already been engaged, and the Climate Resilience Program, ‘ClimateWorkx,’ which has provided employment to another 200,000 youth across Kenya’s 47 counties. These programs are designed to build long-term solutions while addressing immediate employment needs.
The Deputy President responded to critics who had downplayed the impact of these short-term jobs, particularly in the affordable housing project. He stressed that while the nature of these jobs may be temporary, they offer critical opportunities to youth who would otherwise remain unemployed. “It is better to have these temporary jobs than remain idle,” Kindiki stated, reaffirming the government’s determination to continue generating employment through various initiatives.
In addition to local job creation, the government is also expanding opportunities abroad. Over 200,000 Kenyans have already been placed in overseas jobs as part of the Labour Mobility Program. Furthermore, Kindiki revealed plans to establish 1,450 Digital Hubs in every ward across the country, offering youth the chance to access digital jobs, further diversifying employment opportunities.
The meeting was attended by senior government officials, including Principal Secretaries from various ministries, as well as advisors from the President’s Council of Economic Advisors. These collaborative efforts underline the government’s dedication to addressing Kenya’s youth unemployment challenges and ensuring the creation of sustainable jobs in both the short and long term.
