County Official’s Bold Plan: Monthly Pay for Jobless Kenyans
Saturday, July 22, the chairman of the Eldoret Municipality Board, Julius Kitur, proposed a monthly honorarium for unemployed individuals in Uasin Gishu County as a means of reducing unrest in the country.
The Uasin Gishu official stated that unemployed Kenyans under the age of 45 should receive a monthly stipend of Ksh 15,000.
As difficult economic circumstances have persisted, the unemployment rate has continued to climb. Increased taxes have also contributed to juvenile unemployment unrest.
Kitur stated that the regular honorarium will allow unemployed Kenyans to live a sustainable life and quell discontent amid anti-government demonstrations and a high cost of living.
To strengthen the economy, those in command of government projects should give priority to young people, he added.
“The President mentioned cottage industries, and as he pursues this, he must have a team that is considering cottage industries and industrial parks, as well as what we’re going to get, and ensuring that it’s well-managed and that youth receive employment,” Kitur said.
In addition, the board chairman rejected the increase in pay for members of parliament and other government employees with higher ranks. He advocated for a reduction in the salaries of public personnel, suggesting that a standard rate of Ksh 500,000 for members of parliament would suffice.
“There is someone who earns more than Ksh1.5 million, and there is someone who earns nothing. “We must abandon the avarice of our legislators who demand more while their constituents receive nothing,” he stated.
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Kitur disclosed that the retirement age should be 50 years old and that there should be a cycle of young individuals entering the workforce. This, according to Kitur, will help reduce the national unemployment rate.
The focus of the ongoing anti-government demonstrations has been the high cost of living and the newly implemented taxes.
The discontent of unemployed youth who are unable to pay the high taxes has led to their participation in the demonstrations.
According to the Kenya Private Sector Alliance, the frequent demonstrations, which Kitur argues can be reduced by the introduction of the stipend, have caused daily losses of Ksh3 billion.
During the nationwide demonstrations, looting, destruction, and property damage caused the losses.
The most recent data from Statista, published on 1 June 2023, indicates that the unemployment rate in Kenya is 5.5%. This is impacted by the country’s prevailing inflation rate and high expense of living.
On a more positive note, President William Ruto signed bilateral agreements on June 18 with Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, and Barbados to create one million jobs for Kenyan youth. The President explained that this was part of his campaign promise to eradicate youth unemployment.
County Official’s Bold Plan: Monthly Pay for Jobless Kenyans
