President William Ruto has officially launched the Climate Resilience Service Program (CRSP) dubbed the Climate WorX Mtaani Initiative, which is set to provide over 200, 000 job opportunities for the Kenyan youth.
The President launched the initiative on September 12, 2024, at Korogocho in Nairobi. CRSP is poised to provide thousands of job opportunities for young Kenyans across the country, marking a significant step towards addressing both unemployment and climate change challenges in the country.
“Every young person across Kenya, as soon as I finish this statement you can begin to apply,” said President Ruto.
CRSP is a transitional employment initiative designed to foster climate resilience and economic recovery by engaging unemployed youth across Kenya.
The program’s primary goals are to bolster sustainable public works, particularly in infrastructure, environment, and housing sectors, while simultaneously preparing participants for future employment or educational opportunities.
According to President Ruto, the program will initially focus its efforts on Nairobi County, specifically along the Nairobi River.
Key Features of the Program Launched by Ruto
This targeted approach comes in response to recent flooding that has underscored the urgent need for effective flood risk management and environmental enforcement in the region.
Also Read: CS Duale Issues Fresh Orders Over Pollution of Nairobi River
Under the expert guidance of the Nairobi Rivers Commission, President Ruto said that the program will commence on October 1, 2024, with crucial interventions to improve the safety and sustainability of informal settlements within the Nairobi River Basin.
The Head of State said that in the Nairobi phase, 20,000 youth will be enrolled in the program to help clean the Nairobi River ecosystem.
“The first phase of climate works in Nairobi County will officially begin on October 1, 2024, with 20,000 young people being onboarded,” said Ruto.
“Building on this foundation, we will extend the program to the four major cities of Kisumu, Mombasa, Eldoret and Nakuru within one month.”
Labor-Intensive Approaches: The program will adopt labor-intensive methods to maximize job creation.
By focusing on urban infrastructure and environmental projects, CRSP aims to engage as many workers as possible within the constraints of available funding.
Equal Opportunities
CRSP is open to all Kenyan citizens over the age of 18 years, regardless of gender. The program will recruit participants from all 47 counties, ensuring widespread access and inclusivity.
Pivot Approach: Participants will benefit from daily wages while contributing to vital community projects. The program includes a dual focus on skill-building and cash-for-work, preparing youth to transition smoothly into future employment or educational endeavors.
Impact on Youth Livelihoods: Past experiences with similar initiatives have demonstrated significant positive outcomes, with many participants using their earnings to start businesses, support family ventures, or fund further education.
CRSP aims to build on this success by providing a comprehensive support system that enhances both immediate income and long-term economic prospects.
How to Apply for CRSP
The program will be implemented through a multi-agency approach, involving collaboration between national and county governments.
This governance structure aims to ensure effective program execution and coordination across various stakeholders.
Also Read: Govt Announces New Kazi Mtaani Initiative With 13,000 Job Opportunities
Each cohort of participants will be engaged in the CRSP for a minimum of one year. During this period, they will receive not only practical work experience but also life skills training to facilitate their transition into the workforce, higher education, or entrepreneurship.
To sign up for the program, interested Kenyan youth can register through the CRSP website.
One is required to enter personal details such as their official names, Date of Birth, Gender and Telephone number.
Other details required include National ID/Maisha Card details, location and education & skill level.
During the launch event, President Ruto emphasized the dual focus of the CRSP on environmental sustainability and economic empowerment.
The President highlighted that the program’s emphasis on climate resilience aligns with Kenya’s broader environmental goals, including tree planting, green space creation, and urban infrastructure enhancement.
As CRSP rolls out its first phase in Nairobi, the program’s success will be closely monitored to assess its impact and scalability.
The CSRP launch came after President Ruto directed the National Youth Service (NYS) to oversee the youth recruited under the Climate Works Mtaani initiative for managing Kenya’s environmental sustainability.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
