The Government of Kenya has officially announced the return of the transformative Kazi Mtaani initiative through a new and revitalized program dubbed Climate Workx, set to roll out on Tuesday, 3rd June 2025. This large-scale employment program seeks to provide temporary work opportunities to over 110,000 youths across the country, targeting young Kenyans between the ages of 18 to 35 years.
Implemented under the oversight of Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) and Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) engineers, in coordination with officers from the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), this program seeks to combat youth unemployment while also supporting the government’s climate resilience and infrastructure maintenance agenda. It also aims to foster national values, civic engagement, and personal development among the youth.
The Kazi Mtaani program has been redesigned with a dual focus: community service and environmental sustainability. This reflects the government’s long-term strategy to promote green jobs, increase tree cover, maintain public infrastructure, and uplift communities.
Program Objectives
- To offer short-term employment to the youth.
- To instill national values and promote patriotism.
- To support climate action initiatives like tree planting and seedling production.
- To contribute to local infrastructure development through road maintenance.
- To empower youth with skills and exposure to structured work environments.
Job Description (JD)
All successful applicants under the Kazi Mtaani Climate Workx program will be assigned duties within their local communities. The job roles fall under two main categories:
- General Workers
- Supervisors
1. General Workers (Youth Participants)
General workers will be assigned manual and semi-skilled roles in the fields of environmental conservation, community infrastructure maintenance, and national awareness.
Key Responsibilities:
- Engage in routine road maintenance including clearing vegetation, unclogging drainage systems, patching potholes, and repairing pedestrian pathways.
- Assist in tree planting activities coordinated with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS). This includes digging holes, planting seedlings, watering, and maintaining planted areas.
- Participate in seedling production in nurseries, including bed preparation, seed sowing, transplanting, watering, and pest control.
- Carry out general cleaning activities in public areas such as markets, roadsides, and informal settlements.
- Prepare and maintain tree seedbeds and compost areas for local nurseries.
- Attend civic education sessions during off-work periods focusing on topics such as national values, patriotism, hygiene, and personal growth.
- Submit daily attendance and progress reports to team supervisors.
- Maintain tools and equipment assigned during the work period.
- Uphold discipline and adhere to safety protocols in the field.
Duration and Work Cycle:
- Workers will be grouped into two cohorts, each serving for 10 consecutive weekdays (Monday to Friday).
- Each cycle will be followed by a rest period during which the youth will engage in structured development sessions.
Remuneration:
- Workers will receive KES 500 per day, through M-Pesa after the completion of each 10-day shift.
Work Location:
- All assignments will be based within the applicants’ home villages.
- Youths will be deployed to tasks identified and managed by Assistant Chiefs, Nyumba Kumi leaders, and technical officers from KeRRA/KURA/KFS.
2. Supervisors
Supervisors will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of activities at the local level, ensuring coordination, documentation, and reporting.
Key Responsibilities:
- Coordinate and lead daily field activities in assigned work zones.
- Conduct morning roll calls and daily briefings.
- Assign tasks to general workers and ensure equitable distribution of work.
- Supervise implementation of scheduled projects such as road maintenance, tree planting, and cleaning.
- Ensure proper use and accountability of tools, equipment, and protective gear.
- Monitor attendance and submit daily reports to government field officers and engineers.
- Identify challenges and report any incidences or emergencies during the workday.
- Guide and mentor team members in adhering to program values, discipline, and safety.
- Work closely with KeRRA/KURA engineers and NGAO officers to meet daily targets.
- Maintain clear records of wages, attendance, work done, and materials used.
Eligibility for Supervisors:
- Must be aged between 18 to 35 years.
- Must be a resident of the local community.
- Preference will be given to former and ex-NYS (National Youth Service) recruits due to their experience in discipline, leadership, and structured public service tasks.
- Basic literacy and reporting skills will be an added advantage.
- Ability to mobilize, manage, and lead a team in a respectful and inclusive manner.
Remuneration:
- Supervisors will be paid KES 580 per day, through M-Pesa after every 10-day work cycle.
Program Features and Special Guidelines
1. Gender Parity (50:50 Rule)
In line with the government’s commitment to gender equity, recruitment will observe a strict 50:50 gender balance. Equal opportunities will be offered to both male and female applicants. All local administrators and recruitment officers are mandated to enforce this guideline strictly during shortlisting and selection.
2. Disability Inclusion (30%)
30% of all available slots in the program will be reserved for persons living with disabilities. Applicants with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply and will be given priority consideration. Reasonable accommodations will be made to ensure an inclusive and enabling work environment.
3. Household Quota
To ensure fair distribution of opportunities, only one person per household will be eligible for recruitment. This policy aims to increase the number of families benefiting from the initiative and reduce duplication of benefits within a single home.
4. Village-Based Recruitment
The recruitment process will be village-based, and youth will be deployed within their localities. This ensures ease of supervision and reduces transportation needs and associated costs.
All Assistant Chiefs, Nyumba Kumi leaders, and community elders have been tasked with spreading awareness of this initiative using:
- Village barazas
- Chief’s notices
- Religious gatherings
- Local radio and community-based organizations
- Door-to-door mobilization
No eligible youth should miss this opportunity due to lack of information. Active community sensitization is a top priority in the rollout process.
5. Civic Education and Personal Growth
During off-work days, youth will participate in interactive sessions facilitated by local administrators, non-governmental organizations, and government officers. These sessions will cover:
- National unity and cohesion
- Patriotism and national service
- Hygiene and health awareness
- Financial literacy and savings culture
- Climate change and sustainable living
- Leadership and conflict resolution
This model aims to equip youth not just with employment but with values and knowledge that will remain relevant beyond the short-term engagement.
6. Payment and Financial Guidelines
- All wages will be paid via M-Pesa directly to the worker’s registered mobile number after each 10-day working period.
- Youth are strongly advised not to use Fuliza, overdraft services, or operate accounts with negative balances, as this may lead to delayed or unsuccessful transactions.
- Supervisors will assist in verifying payment compliance and escalate any discrepancies through the proper channels.
7. Safety and Conduct
All workers and supervisors must adhere to high standards of discipline, safety, and integrity. Any form of misconduct, corruption, absenteeism, or misuse of tools will lead to immediate disqualification from the program.
Participants are expected to:
- Report to work on time.
- Wear appropriate attire and safety gear where applicable.
- Show respect to fellow workers, community members, and officers.
- Protect public assets and tools in their custody.
Who Should Apply
The program is open to:
- Kenyan youth aged 18 to 35 years
- Residents of the respective villages
- Persons with disabilities
- Female and male youth equally
- Ex-NYS and experienced public service youth for supervisory roles
Applicants must demonstrate willingness to work, availability for the duration of the cohort, and commitment to national service.
How to Apply
Interested youth are advised to apply online starting Tuesday, 3rd June 2025 through a digital application portal provided by the government. The portal is mobile-friendly and accessible via most smartphones.
Applicants will be required to provide the following information:
- Full name (as per ID)
- ID Number
- Age
- Gender
- Ward/Sub-county
- Mobile phone number (active and M-Pesa registered)
- Any disability status (optional)
- NYS status (
- Level of education
The deadline for application and the official portal link will be shared by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and the respective County Commissioner offices.
Apply Now
This opportunity not only provides an income but also a pathway to skills development, civic participation, and environmental impact. Do not miss your chance to be part of this transformative initiative shaping the future of Kenya, one community at a time.
