President Ruto launches Climate WorX Mtaani Initiative

By Robert Mutasi 

President William Ruto has officially launched the Climate WorX Mtaani Initiative, a key component of the government's climate action strategy aimed at addressing environmental challenges while creating jobs for Kenya’s youth. 

“Pleased to note that the Climate WorX Mtaani Initiative, which we launched last month, has officially begun,” said President Ruto during the event. 

He added, “I look forward to visiting a fully rehabilitated Nairobi River that will serve as a commercial and recreational asset.”

Launched in Nairobi on October 1, 2024, the program focuses on rehabilitating the Nairobi River and enhancing urban green spaces, as part of broader efforts to tackle pollution and revitalize the city’s natural environment.

President Ruto underscored the dual objectives of the initiative, which include both ecological restoration and economic benefits. 

He emphasized that transforming the Nairobi River into a "commercial and recreational asset" would improve the city's overall image, foster local businesses, and contribute to public health improvements by eliminating waste and restoring the river's natural beauty.

 "This initiative will not only enhance the image of our city but also provide employment for 20,000 youth within Nairobi and 200,000 across the country when rolled out to other areas," he remarked.

The initiative also has a strong employment component, with the goal of engaging 200,000 youth nationwide.

 In its first phase, the program will provide 20,000 jobs in Nairobi, focusing on projects related to environmental restoration, infrastructure development, and community-building activities.

As the initiative expands, it will roll out to additional counties, offering more opportunities for youth involvement across the country.

The Climate WorX Mtaani program follows in the footsteps of the previous Kazi Mtaani initiative and supports Kenya’s goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032. 

President Ruto encouraged young people to actively participate by registering through the Climate Resilience and Sustainability Platform, marking this initiative as a significant step toward both environmental sustainability and economic empowerment for the youth.