President William Ruto has abolished the Kazi Mtaani programme started by his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta, two years ago.
Ruto said the youth will instead be employed under Kenya Kwanza’s affordable housing programme.
The President said more than 2,500 youths will benefit from the low-cost housing project being rolled out across the country, compared to 500 under the old-fashioned project.
“Kazi Mtaani is now outdated. Collecting garbage is not going to be the case anymore. Houses will now be our business and the youths are going to get jobs,” he said.
He said the housing programme is not just about houses, it will also help create employment.
However, there are claims that youths under the second cohort are yet to be paid their dues for allegedly submitting incorrect details.
In the lead-up to the August 9 poll, Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza team claimed some individuals were fleecing the youth of their money, questioning why the money was reduced from Sh1,000 to Sh450.
“What is the aim of the programme if some individuals are following this money and pocketing yet again?” Ruto questioned.
He emphasised the need for all Kenyans irrespective of their class to pay taxes saying this will ensure his government realises its prospects.
The President said payment of taxes was not negotiable and that there will be no debate about it.
Ruto said there is no way small traders will struggle hard to pay the monies yet those in the upper classes are deliberately failing to honour it.
“I will deliver on all the promises I made but Kenyans should play their part. Everyone must pay taxes and that is the only way we can have roads, water, electricity and houses,” he said.
Ruto spoke on Tuesday when he presided over the groundbreaking of the Soweto B affordable housing programme in Kibra.
Soweto B is the second AHP Ruto has launched since he was sworn into office.
The President is seeking to make Nairobi the centre of affordable housing projects.
Nairobi will have five projects for a total of 29,026 units by December.
The President said about 15,000 windows and 840 doors for the Kibra programme will be made by the local jua kali artisans from the area.
The contractor, he said, has agreed to have 60 per cent of the work given to the local contractors.
The project is part of the planned upgrade of the slum which has been divided into four zones and is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Housing.
In Zone B 5,000 affordable housing units will be constructed.
The first phase of the project included Zone A which was completed in 2016.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
