The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) presidential candidate DP William Ruto has stated that those responsible for the theft of the Kazi Mtaani funds must be held accountable.
According to Ruto, it was unfortunate that selfish leaders were profiting from the underprivileged youth in the country.
Speaking during a political rally on Tuesday in Embakasi South, the DP noted that every beneficiary of the programme is supposed to be paid Sh1,000 and not Sh450 a day.
“What was approved in the budget was Sh1, 000 per person. So, where is the balance of Sh550? Who is pocketing the money for our youth? What is the aim of the program if some individuals are following this money and pocketing yet again?” posed Ruto.
Ruto also held rallies in Kwa Reuben, General Motors, Imara Daima and Pipeline.
The Deputy President insisted that Kenya Kwanza will form a government that will create decent jobs for the youth.
He also accused government officials of sabotaging the Big 4 Agenda, which would have created better jobs for the youth and pushed for the rollout of the Kazi Mtaani program because the election was close.
“The Handshake killed the Big Four that was meant to generate jobs and income for the youth,” he observed.
The National Hygiene Program was relaunched a week after it had been suspended for several months.
On Tuesday morning, Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho denied claims that the government was underpaying the youth.
He denied that funds were diverted for political campaigns, as claimed.
“The wages provided for working youth under the program are Sh455 per day for workers and Sh505 per day for supervisors. These payment rates were set at the start of Phase II in July 2020 and have not changed,” Macharia said.
