In a bold move to address youth unemployment while tackling environmental challenges, the Kenyan government has officially revived the Kazi Mtaani program under a new name, Climate Resilience Service Programme (CRSP), popularly known as Climate Worx.
As of June 2025, this initiative has sparked both excitement and questions across the country, especially among young people eager for opportunities in a struggling economy.
Originally introduced in 2020 under former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Kazi Mtaani was designed to cushion vulnerable youth from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic by providing short-term employment in public works.
However, the program was halted after President William Ruto assumed office in 2022. Now, in a surprising policy reversal, Ruto has not only brought it back, he has rebranded and expanded it.
What Is the New Climate Worx Programme?
Launched officially during the June 1, 2025, Madaraka Day celebrations, Climate Worx is a labour-intensive, environment-focused public works program targeting the youth.
It aims to create 113,000 jobs for young Kenyans across 46 counties (Nairobi is excluded due to an existing similar city program).
The scope of work includes:
- Clearing and repairing access roads
- Building and maintaining drainage systems
- Cleaning up rivers and reclaiming public spaces
- Tree planting and environmental conservation
- Constructing footpaths, public toilets, and market sheds.
In many ways, the Climate Worx programme is not just about job creation — it’s about building resilience, especially in the face of climate change and poor infrastructure in urban and semi-urban areas.
Requirements
The program is targeted at low-income youth aged between 18 and 35 years. Key requirements include:
- Must be a Kenyan citizen
- Must reside in the participating county
- Must be unemployed and not enrolled in any school
- Must have a valid national ID
- Only one person per household can be selected
- Must complete the online application process through the official portal.
How Much Are Workers Paid?
Successful applicants will be paid a daily wage of:
- KSh 500 per day for general workers
- KSh 550 per day for site supervisors.
Payments are made weekly via mobile money (mostly M-Pesa), with a work schedule organized into two-week shifts that rotate over six months.
In addition to the physical tasks, selected participants will receive soft skills training in areas such as personal finance, workplace discipline, and basic health and safety.
Funding and National Impact
The government has allocated a total of KSh 5 billion to support the first phase of the program. This budget covers wages, tools, safety equipment, and logistics.
The project is expected to stimulate local economies, reduce idleness among youth, and improve living conditions in underdeveloped communities.
Unlike the original Kazi Mtaani, the new version places a stronger emphasis on climate adaptation, urban renewal, and environmental protection.
It’s not just about raking leaves or picking trash, it’s about reclaiming rivers, reducing flooding risks, and building climate-resilient infrastructure.
Shortlisting and Deployment Updates
As of today, shortlisting has been completed in several counties. The Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, in partnership with local authorities, has begun vetting applicants.
Here are some key updates:
- In Narok County, 1,075 youth have already been shortlisted and are set to begin work in early July. They will focus on clearing roads and riverbanks.
- In Kisumu, 1,300 applicants are undergoing orientation and training this week before their official deployment.
- Counties like Machakos, Nakuru, Kisii, and Bungoma have reported successful completion of the shortlisting process, with deployment expected by mid-July 2025.
- Applicants can check the status of their application through SMS updates or at their local chief’s office, where lists have been posted.
The government has also warned against bribery or political interference, urging transparency and fairness in the vetting process. Any complaints can be reported through county government offices or via a soon-to-be-launched feedback platform under the Ministry.
What’s Next?
The next major milestone is the full deployment rollout across all 46 counties in July 2025. Monitoring and evaluation teams will be active in each county to ensure that funds are used effectively and workers are treated with dignity.
If the program proves successful, there is also talk of expanding it in 2026, possibly including technical training and digital skills components in later phases.
Conclusion
Kazi Mtaani, now Climate Worx, is more than just a stopgap job solution. It’s a social intervention at the intersection of climate action and youth empowerment.
While concerns about execution remain, the program represents a step forward in addressing two of Kenya’s biggest challenges: unemployment and environmental degradation.
For thousands of Kenyan youth, this is not just work. It’s hope.
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