An Economic Stimulus Program for desks and lockers for primary and secondary schools started by the national government several months ago has started providing job opportunities. – By Ramadhan Kambi.
A spot-check done by Uzalendo News in Kilifi town saw some of the companies that benefited from the tendering process already employing youths as casual labourers in their efforts to have the desks ready and distributed to various schools.
At a workshop in Kilifi town we met Cosmas Foleni, one of the residents who won the job to make desks for several schools in Kilifi North Sub county.
Speaking to Uzalendo News, Mr Foleni said he has been able to employ about ten youths working as casual labourers after winning the job when it was advertised.
“Last month, President Uhuru Kenyatta gave out an opportunity for those who are able to make desks for schools to apply for the ministry of education’s ESP.
“I applied at the County Commissioner’s office and I am happy that I got an order to supply 420 primary desks and another 300 lockers for secondary school. It’s a good initiative because it has enabled youths to get jobs to feed their families,” said Mr Foleni.
According to the government, this program is among those initiated to cushion Kenyans at the time of the pandemic and to also address social distancing for learners while in schools.
Ali Mohamed who also owns a workshop and among those who benefited from the jobs said that they were given seven schools to supply desks and lockers.
“We have 12 youths whom we contracted and are making the desks here. They are getting their daily bread and fending for their families. Some of the schools that we have to supply the desks are Ezzamoyo Primary, Mtondia Primary, Fumbini primary. Then we have Fumbini Secondary, Majaoni Secondary and Kibarani school for the Deaf,” he said.
Mr Mohamed said the government should extend its initiatives that are opening up job opportunies for the youths.
Mr Foleni said the government should consider raising the price of a desk from Sh2, 500 to Sh3, 500 because of the high cost of materials.
One of the youths working at the workshop Ratibu Khamis said the marking of desks have provided an opportunity for him to get an income.
“I have about 21 years working experience in the wood industry making desks. So when this chance came, it was a plus for me. Because we have no jobs, then this provide an opportunity for me to get food for my family,” he said.
