Ethiopian Review

Nairobi — The Government will streamline the Kazi kwa Vijana initiative to benefit the target group, Prime Minister Raila Odinga has said.

Responding to complaints by leaders over the project, Raila said he was not happy with the management of its funds.

“I have heard complaints about the Kazi kwa Vijana programme. We want the money to reach the youth to help reduce poverty. I assure you that this will be rectified at my office.

We don’t want a situation where devolved funds leave Nairobi in the morning and return in the evening,” he said.

The PM said the aim of the initiative was to help cushion the youth against the effects of economic recession and post-election violence.

Trade Assistant Minister Omingo Magara had accused some Government officials of frustrating Government efforts to ensure money reached the youth and asked the PM to act.

Ghost workers

“The youth are yet to receive the money. Some civil servants are letting us down by employing ghost workers,” said the South Mugirango MP at a rally at Gusii Stadium on Monday.

Nominated MP Rachael Shebesh asked the PM to be bold on the problems affecting the youth.

“The youth are here today because they are jobless and we forget this is a crisis…We need strong structures to ensure the money reaches the youth,” she said.

There have been widespread allegations of corruption among officials handling the project.

Yesterday, The Standard reported the progress and pitfalls facing the project countrywide.

Those interviewed for the report said although the project had created jobs and improved the face of many towns, hiring and use of funds had not been handled transparently.

- By Kenan Miruka and Robert Nyasato | The Standard