The second
phase of the National Hygiene Programme has picked up across the country.
The relief
programme by the president is set to employ thousands of youth countrywide in
slum areas. The first phase of the
programme kicked off on April 29.
The
programme is to benefit unemployed youths in the country during the coronavirus
pandemic.
The program was
initiated across several counties in its first phase.
“The
national hygiene programme is a relief programme by the president to provide
means of sustaining the people in country during this abnormal time. The
potential employment creations have been hit leading to a massive unemployment
in the country among youths,” Said Matisi area Senior chief Mrs. Janet Wekesa.
Trans Nzoia
county, joining the programme on the second phase, has roll out the programme
across all wards.
Leaders in
the county mostly leaders of Nyumba Kumi and village leaders have been encouraging
youths to avail themselves and register for the programme that is ongoing
currently at the chief’s office.
“The
directive from the county commissioner’s office is that the residents from
slums to register. The program is to help the people in slums where the rate of
job seekers is high. I have been going around the ward to inform youths about
this national programme.” She added.
The
requirements for registration is a national identity card, the village or
location and the head of Nyumba Kumi signature.
Youths from
the area have turned out massively, registering to get the opportunity from the
programme.
“The past
three months have been tough for everyone in the country and any opportunity
that arises to put food on the table is filed with applications to the maximum.
The programme targets hard-hit slums in the two mentioned wards like here
Matisi Maji and in Tuwan Mitume Mau Mau and Mumias slums where the conditions
are tough.” She said.
Women undertaking first phase of the National Hygiene Programme. Image|Courtesy
The
initiative has attracted a majority of youth within Saboti and the daily turn
out at the office has been huge according to the area chief.
“The
response towards the programme has been good since we started registration on
15th May. We have been receiving names from people from different
wards and locations not outlined as per the directive which is a major
challenge.”
They hope that
the programme will not be biased and they will receive the slots in the
programme to have a daily means of survival.
“This was a
good idea but we are hoping that it will not be for the only known individuals
to benefit. We need this job. The chief’s office should be fair and let us have
the opportunity since it is meant for us I the slums.” Said Allan Jirago a
youth from Matisi.
“I just
heard of this on Sunday and since the relief foods being distributed cannot be
enough for all of us. This programme is timely, we can get something at the end
of the day and sustain our families.” Said Linda Wanja from Mau Mau.
Kenya Red
Cross in Trans Nzoia donated relief food at Kitale Technical which was flagged
by the County Governor Patrick Khaemba on Sunday to ward administrators and the
vulnerable persons.
It is
allegedly that the youths stormed the Salvation Army Church in Matisi on Monday
that was donated by the area MCA Obed Mwale.
“The
government has outlined the procedures of distributing the relief foods. I was
not aware of the distribution by the Member of County Assembly. “said the chief
Matisi ward madam Janet.
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