NAIROBI, Kenya—President William Ruto has said that his government will absorb 20,000 more youth in the Climate WorX Mtaani Initiative in the coming days.
The head of state insisted that his ruling Kenya Kwanza administration urgently rehabilitate the Nairobi River Basin.
President Ruto observed that Nairobi, as the capital and host of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), cannot afford to have its river in such a polluted state.
“We currently have 20,000 youths, but this year, we will add 20,000 more youths from Nairobi County who will be enlisted in the Climate Worx Mtaani program. The current condition of the Nairobi River cannot be the face of Kenya,” Ruto said.
All we know about the Climate WorX Mtaani Initiative
President Ruto launched the Climate WorX Mtaani initiative in Korogocho on September 12, 2024.
The Climate WorX Mtaani initiative seeks to provide a source of employment to thousands of jobless Kenyans across the country.
The initiative, which adopts the Kazi Kwa Vijana model, commenced in Nairobi before being cascaded to the four other cities of Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret progressively.
In Nairobi, the youth are engaged in activities that include rehabilitating the 47 km stretch of the Nairobi River Basin.
United Pentecostal Church of Kenya, Dagoretti North, Nairobi. x.com/i/broadcasts/1…
The project aims to transform the river into a valuable commercial and recreational hub, enhancing Nairobi’s stature as Kenya’s capital and a global environmental leader, given its role as host to the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP).
The programme will employ at least 200,000 people across the country and have a minimum of 1,500 beneficiaries in each county.
Why President William Ruto mended fences with Raila Odinga
President Ruto, who spoke after attending a Sunday mass at the United Pentecostal Church of Kenya in Dagoretti North, Nairobi County, further said he had agreed with former prime minister Raila Odinga to unite Kenyans.
“I, together with Raila Odinga, agreed to unite Kenyans. We said no to divisive and tribal politics but rather to unite Kenya so that we can move forward together, and this is my stand,” said President Ruto.
The head of state was accompanied by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, MPs George Aladwa (Makadara), Beatrice Elachi (Dagoretti North), John Kiare (Dagoretti South), Felix Oduor (Lang’ata), and Antony Oluoch (Mathare), and a host of MCAs.
Later, President Ruto inspected the ongoing construction of a science complex, two dormitories, and eight classrooms at Nairobi School.
“We oversee reforms in our schools to fill existing gaps and ensure performance improves. Our goal is to give our children the opportunity to be their best in society and contribute to Kenya’s transformation,” said the head of state.
President Ruto reiterated that his administration is also building similar facilities at Lenana, State House Girls, and Jamhuri High Schools “so that they can enrol more students, including from Nairobi County.”
