A Rebirth with Purpose: From Kazi Mtaani to Climate Workx

In a major policy shift aimed at addressing unemployment and climate challenges simultaneously, the Kenyan government has launched Climate Workx, a revamped version of the now-defunct Kazi Mtaani program. This ambitious new rollout targets over 110,000 youth across all counties, focusing on public works that serve both environmental and infrastructural needs.

Unlike its predecessor, which mainly addressed urban sanitation and COVID-19 recovery, Climate Workx integrates climate resilience into its DNA. It is not just a job program—it’s a national environmental response plan led by the country’s youth.

Target Group: Who Can Apply?

The program is designed specifically for Kenyan youth aged 18–35 years. Recruitment is hyper-local, conducted at the village level, and participants will serve within their communities. This ensures that the initiative doesn’t just provide employment but also fosters local ownership of development efforts.

To ensure inclusivity and gender equality:

• -50% of the slots are reserved for women.

• -30% are reserved for persons with disabilities.

This deliberate structure ensures that vulnerable and often-overlooked segments of the population are equally represented and empowered.

What Participants Will Do

The work is focused on environmental conservation, infrastructure upkeep, and climate resilience. Activities include:

• -Road maintenance and drainage clearing 

• -Tree planting and reforestation

• -Seedling production and nursery management

• -Beautification of public spaces

• -Building flood and erosion control infrastructure

The roles are not only labor-intensive but also require collaboration with civil engineers and technical experts to ensure high-impact results.

Structure and Supervision

Participants will work in alternating cycles:

• -10-day active shifts, followed by

• -Off days dedicated to personal development, civic training, and basic financial literacy.

The program will be supervised by professionals from the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), working closely with National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) for ground-level coordination.

Pay and Working Conditions

Participants will be paid KES 500 per day, while supervisors earn KES 580 per day. Payments are processed every 10 days via M-Pesa, ensuring a fast and efficient payroll system.

Work hours are regulated, typically from 8 AM to 4 PM, five days a week, mirroring public service norms. Safety gear and work tools are provided to all participants, reducing risks and upholding dignity of labor.

A Dual Purpose: Civic Education and Skills Building

Besides offering a steady income, the program introduces a structured civic education module, focusing on:

• -National unity and patriotism

• -Personal growth and mentorship

• -Skills training for post-program entrepreneurship

The objective is not just to give youth a job, but to make them builders of their own future.

Government's Bigger Vision

Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya emphasized that Climate Workx is a key pillar in the government’s plan to grow the creative and climate economy. It is expected to contribute directly to the country’s GDP, particularly through public infrastructure development and environmental sustainability.

This is aligned with President William Ruto’s administration’s broader agenda to mainstream climate action into all economic sectors, while ensuring no young Kenyan is left behind.

How to Apply

Applications are open online via the official government portal. In areas with limited digital access, local administrators are facilitating awareness and registration to ensure all eligible youth can participate.

Those interested should prepare basic documentation such as:

• -National ID

• -Proof of residence

• -Education or training certificates (where applicable)

Recruitment is ongoing, with the first deployment already underway in some counties.