Sakaja: Kazi Mtaani Reduced Nairobi Crime by a High Percentage

Samwel Eviator

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has underscored the positive impact of the Kazi Mtaani programme on the community, highlighting its potential to significantly reduce crime rates and provide job opportunities for the youth.

The Kazi Mtaani initiative, a brainchild of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, held a unique role in employing unemployed youth for environmentally-oriented tasks, subsequently granting them stipends.

**Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.[Photo/Courtesy]**

However, the programme was abolished in October 2022 by President William Ruto, who stated that job openings in the Affordable Housing programme would replace it.

Governor Sakaja’s recent statements, challenge this decision, as he addresses the remarkable reduction in crime rates during the program’s operational period.

Speaking on yesterday, Sakaja said, “When Kazi Mtaani was operational, the crime rates reduced, crime reduced by 47 per cent.” This sentiment reflects the vital role such initiatives can play in not only providing employment but also in fostering safer communities.

Sakaja further advocated for a balanced approach, recognizing that while the County Government cannot absorb all workers, programmes like Kazi Mtaani are crucial.

He expressed his belief in the potential of the Affordable Housing programme by the national government to offer job opportunities for urban residents.

**Kazi mtaani Programme youth engage in collecting garbage at Mathare 3C village Mabatini ward Nairobi county [Photo/Courtesy]**

“We have asked the president to return Kazi Mtaani… and if not in the initial form, we can engage in available activities such as growing trees and building houses,” Sakaja added.

The governor’s proposal aims to rekindle the spirit of Kazi Mtaani, with a focus on activities aligned with the current context. Sakaja’s words echo the sentiment that such programmes foster not only economic growth but also community harmony and reduced criminal activity.

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the Kazi Mtaani programme will be reinstated, potentially bringing forth a fresh wave of employment opportunities for the youth of Nairobi.

President Ruto had previously stated, “We will have enough job opportunities for our young people without using them to collect garbage.”

This perspective emphasizes the government’s intention to diversify employment opportunities while redirecting youth towards meaningful work that contributes to national development.

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