By: Joseph Mutua Ndonga
President William Ruto ascended to power on platform of a raft of promises.
He has since made great strides in terms of fulfilling them.
On employment, allow me to list three of the mega initiatives that have created thousands of job opportunities particularly for the youth and women: The Hustler Fund, the affordable housing project and international jobs.
Under housing plan, 100,000 affordable and decent houses are currently being constructed. This project has so far created 160,000 jobs.
It is worth noting President Ruto assumed power at a time when the country was facing a key challenge; the bulging population of jobless youth.
At the time, many reasoned that the country was sitting on a time bomb. This is because the efforts by the previous administrations to address the matter had not borne any fruits.
This explains why the President Ruto has been leaving nothing to chance in looking for more job opportunities.
As I write this, the preparations to launch a new initiative dubbed Climate Workx Mtaani (CWM) are complete.
This initiative is designed to empower marginalized groups, including women and youth in informal settlements, integrating them into climate solutions. They will be engaged in green initiatives and more so in three main areas; urban tree planting, waste management and renewable energy projects.
Notably, more than 10,000 youth and women have already been engaged in the exercise of cleanup of the Nairobi River.
Some of the health benefits of Climate Workx Mtaani are; cleaner air, reduced waste, lower the risks of respiratory diseases, waterborne illnesses and other related health complications.
President William Ruto’s unwavering commitment to mitigating the devastating effects of climate change stands out. He has since curved a niche of being the voice of Africa continent on climate matters.
The President’s star raised a notch higher when he convened Africa Climate change conference. The conference brought together Africa heads of state and government, scholars, researchers and environmentalists from the continent of Africa.
After the deliberations, the leaders unveiled a Nairobi declaration which outlined the resolutions passed.
President Ruto was chosen to present the blue print in the subsequent United Nations (UN) led Conference of State Parties (COP). He did that and successfully lobbied for its adoption.
The launch of Climate Workx Mtaani is a clear demonstration that his efforts were bearing the fruits.
Kenya is among the countries that were receiving a huge chunk of fund earmarked for financing of mitigation and adaption programmes. CWM falls in this category. The funds were being released by COP secretariat.
I know the critics of President William Ruto are once again likely to fault me. I’m ready to respond if they counter me with facts. Let us disagree on the basis of ideas and avoid insults and name calling.
Joseph Mutua Ndonga Is A Writer And Social Commentator
