The Central Organization of Trade Unions Kenya (COTU-K) has urged President William Ruto to revive a landmark employment policy initiated by Kenya’s first President, Jomo Kenyatta, in 1972. The policy, which mandated that government parastatals and ministries allocate 10% of their workforce to employment opportunities, is seen as a critical step towards alleviating joblessness and fostering economic stability.
Francis Atwoli, Secretary General of COTU-K, emphasized the urgency of reinstating this policy during a recent statement issued on Monday. Atwoli highlighted that the revival of the 10% employment mandate could immediately generate job opportunities, particularly benefiting Kenya’s youth, who face disproportionately high unemployment rates.
“Kenya is currently facing an unemployment crisis, particularly among the youth, and, therefore, the revival of the 10% employment mandate would provide immediate job opportunities and reduce the number of jobless citizens,” stated Atwoli. The proposal comes amidst ongoing demonstrations across Kenya, which have underscored public discontent over economic hardships exacerbated by unemployment.
Atwoli further articulated that implementing Kenyatta’s employment initiative could not only mitigate social unrest but also contribute to economic growth and political stability. “It is the view of COTU-K that, among the many actions to be taken by the President of Kenya, the provision of employment opportunities through this initiative would help mitigate the ongoing demonstrations and promote social cohesion,” he added.
The call from COTU-K reflects a broader consensus among labor unions and advocates for decisive action to address Kenya’s employment challenges. As President Ruto navigates the country’s socio-economic landscape, the revival of historical policies such as Kenyatta’s employment initiative could serve as a crucial policy lever to stimulate job creation and bolster national development efforts.
The proposal awaits further deliberation and potential implementation by the government, with stakeholders hopeful that such measures will not only tackle immediate unemployment but also set the stage for sustainable economic progress in Kenya.
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