Graduates were among thousands of jobseekers who filled the Joe Kadenge Stadium in Nairobi County on Friday July 28, seeking the 3,000 cleaner positions advertised by the County Government.

The vacancies attracted university graduates with different qualifications including degrees in Engineering, business, and commerce.

One of the candidates, Boblenny Mangoi, a holder of bachelor’s degree in Geospatial Information Science from Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology (JKUAT), told the media that he has been unable to secure employment since graduating in 2021.

“I have been job hunting for a while now, and I have not secured any. As youth, we had an opportunity to come here today, and we are not selective.

With all the qualifications that we have, we are here to look for an opportunity and we expect that we get something to do as youths,” he said.

Despite his qualifications, Bob noted that he was ready to grab an opportunity that comes his way.

“Considering what I studied in school, I think everything has a step where one starts from and I think this is a step for me,” he said.

Nairobi County Chief Officer for Environment Ibrahim Otieno said the recruitment board shortlisted around 4,000 youth for the positions.

Also Read: Kenya Has the Highest Unemployment Rate in East Africa, Report Shows

Sakaja on Cleaning Nairobi

Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja in April 2023 stated that his government will employ 3, 500 youth to help clean the city.

“The city of Nairobi has become too dirty, and it has been for a long time.  You can imagine the people who were cleaning the streets back in the day are still the same ones doing it today.

I am proud to announce, and I thank my MCAs they have passed a budget, that this week a total of 3,500 youths will be hired to clean up Nairobi County,” he said.

Further, Governor Sakaja said that the county cleaning department has few workers, hindering garbage and waste collection.

Unemployment Rates

As per December 2022, statistics by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) indicated that the number of Kenyans without jobs increased to more than 2.97 million between September and December 2022.

According to KNBS, the number of jobless people increased by 2.94 percent from 2.89 million in September.

This meant that the economy shed over 80,000 jobs in the three months after the August 9 General Election.

According to the statistics, more than half of Kenyans without jobs or 1.54 million people were between 20 and 29 years, majority of whom have college degrees in various fields.

Also Read: Govt’ Announces Paid Internships: How to Apply

Ruto’s Promise on jobs 

President William Ruto during his campaign in the run up to the 2022 polls promised to provide solutions to youth unemployment.

In October 2021 while touring Makueni county, Ruto promised to create 4 million jobs for youth if elected president.

“Kenya cannot be built by stipends. We need jobs and business opportunities that will make them economically independent,” he said.

In November the same year, Ruto promised to set aside Ksh.100 billion to create employment for the youth.

“Next year when we form government, priority number one will be to set aside Sh100 billion to create employment for the youth,” said Ruto.

Furthermore, the president said that his government will plan for the youth who the society have educated to avoid losing them to depression and alcohol.