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Here’s how the Kenyan govt. is helping its youth weather the COVID-19 crisis
The Kenyan government has rolled out short term and long term interventions to cushion the vulnerable members of the society, and to also to renovate the country’s economy. CNBC Afica spoke to Youth Champion, Vincent Aketch, for more.
Wed, 12 Aug 2020 14:57:42 GMT
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AI Generated Summary
- The Kenyan government has allocated 10 billion Kenyan shillings to provide employment opportunities for individuals who lost their jobs due to the pandemic.
- The 'Kazimtani' program engages youth in community work, addressing issues like street cleaning and water supply to underserved regions.
- In addition to financial assistance, the government is implementing mentorship programs and funding youth-led businesses to empower young entrepreneurs.
The Kenyan government has embarked on various short-term and long-term interventions aimed at supporting vulnerable members of society and revitalizing the country's economy amidst the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Vincent Akage, a youth champion, shed light on the government's efforts to assist the youth population during these challenging times. Since the onset of the pandemic in February, over 1 million Kenyans have lost their jobs, significantly impacting households that depend on these incomes. In response, the government allocated 10 billion Kenyan shillings, approximately $19 million US dollars, to provide employment opportunities for those who have been rendered jobless. This initiative involves engaging individuals in community work such as street cleaning and providing social amenities to the public. Notably, the government is also addressing the critical issue of water supply, particularly in regions where access to clean water is limited. By partnering with young people, the government aims to ensure that essential resources like water are made available to underserved communities. In addition to addressing basic needs like food and water, the government has rolled out a meal program to alleviate hunger among the populace. The ongoing 'Kazimtani' program, which translates to 'working on the streets,' has been instrumental in providing temporary employment opportunities to youth. The initial phase, conducted from April to June, cost around 700 million Kenyan shillings, benefiting 26,000 young individuals. Encouraged by the program's impact, the government has scaled up its efforts, increasing the budget to over 90 million US dollars to reach an estimated 270,000 Kenyans. Acknowledging the significance of financial assistance in cushioning the economy from the effects of the pandemic, Akage emphasized the importance of meeting immediate needs like putting food on the table. However, he also highlighted the importance of mentorship programs in empowering young people. Beyond financial support, mentorship initiatives play a crucial role in inspiring youth to pursue entrepreneurial ventures and develop innovative ideas. The government's efforts extend to providing funds for youth-led businesses, encouraging collaboration and idea generation among young entrepreneurs. By fostering a supportive environment that combines financial aid, mentorship, and entrepreneurial opportunities, the Kenyan government is equipping the youth with the tools they need to navigate the current economic challenges and build a resilient future.
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