Kazi Mtaani reduced Nairobi crime by 47%, Sakaja says

According to Sakaja, the programme which offered unemployed youth environmental jobs reduced crime rate in Nairobi County by 47%. 

“When Kazi Mtaani was operational, the crime rates reduced, crime reduced by 47 per cent,” Sakaja said on Monday. 

The governor said there is a need for programmes like Kazi Mtaani, since the County Government can not absorb all workers. 

Sakaja said the Affordable Housing programme by the national government will be essential in providing job opportunities for city dwellers.

"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 Kazi Mtaani programme was commissioned by former President Uhuru Kenyatta. It provided employment opportunities for youths to engage in environmental tasks and earn stipends.

However, President William Ruto abolished the programme, saying youths will instead get jobs in the Affordable Housing programme. 

“We will have enough job opportunities for our young people without using them to collect garbage," Ruto said in October 2022.