The Government of Kenya has officially onboarded an additional 30,000 youth under the Kazi Mtaani initiative in Kilifi County, expanding the climate-focused employment program across informal settlements. This expansion comes as part of a wider relaunch of the program under the government’s “Climate Workx” framework, which targets over 110,000 youth across 46 counties—excluding Nairobi, where a similar scheme is already active.

Following President William Ruto’s reintroduction of the initiative during Madaraka Day celebrations in June 2025, the government opened a ten-day registration portal for prospective participants aged 18–35. Successful applicants are being recruited and deployed locally, with operations coordinated through chiefs, National Government Administrative Officers, and Nyumba Kumi leaders to reinforce transparency and community accountability.

Youth enrolled under Kazi Mtaani will undertake manual and semi-skilled public works over a six-month period, including vegetation clearing, drainage maintenance, road repairs, public sanitation, and participation in Kenya Forest Service tree planting drives. Participants earn KSh 500 per day, while supervisors—often former NYS recruits—receive KSh 550 per day, with payments issued via M-Pesa every 10‑day cycle.

Equity and inclusivity are central to the program’s design. Recruitment guidelines mandate a 50:50 gender balance, with 30% of slots reserved for youth living with disabilities. To maximize reach, only one beneficiary per household is allowed. The overarching aim is to combine poverty alleviation, civic engagement, and environmental resilience.

This expansion to Kilifi County is designed to cover more than ten informal settlements, aligning with broader goals of waste management, public health improvement, and job creation among vulnerable youth populations.

The relaunch of Kazi Mtaani under Climate Workx is part of Kenya’s evolving strategy to address youth unemployment while promoting climate action and infrastructure improvement. Authorities emphasize that all beneficiaries must be residents of targeted communities and strictly adhere to the program’s conduct and accountability standards.