The government has disbursed Ksh554 million to settle payments owed to youths who participated in the Kazi Mtaani program.

Charles Hinga Mwaura, principal secretary for housing and urban development, made the announcement on Friday, July 15, noting that all youths who participated in Kazi Mtaani phase three cohort one in June will be paid right away.

Hinga stated that after the National Treasury authorized the release of the funds, the beneficiaries will receive their money.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development reports that 164,372 young people who participated in the program will all receive their payment.

“To all the Kazi Mtaani youths that worked in Cohort 1, money is on the way. 164,372 youths will receive a total of Ksh554 million,” Hinga announced.

He expressed his regrets that the government delayed releasing the funds to the youths who had offered their services to his Ministry.

“Kindly note, the amounts received will not be uniform as we had differences on days worked. From next week Tuesday (July 19), we shall streamline a few things.”

“For Nyeri, Siaya and Uasin Gishu, your registers were received late from the county teams, we have submitted them to the mobile money service provider today for processing. You should receive your funds by Monday. Apologies for the inconvenience caused,” he added.

Youths in cohort one are anticipated to resume work next week together with those who only worked for five days after the funds have been paid.

To provide protection for the most vulnerable people during the pandemic, the Kazi Mtaani initiative was introduced in April 2020.

It is aimed at people between the ages of 18 and 35.