What you need to know about Climate WorX Mtaani initiative ahead of its October rollout

In September 2024, President William Ruto renewed efforts aimed at cleaning up the Nairobi River by launching the Nairobi River Regeneration Project.

Under the programme, there is the Climate WorX Mtaani initiative, aimed at providing job opportunities for thousands of unemployed Kenyans.

This initiative is set to begin on October 1, 2024, in Nairobi before expanding to Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret.

In Nairobi, the focus will be on rehabilitating the 47-kilometre stretch of the Nairobi River Basin.

The project intends to turn the river into a valuable commercial and recreational hub, enhancing Nairobi's image as both the capital of Kenya and a leader in environmental sustainability.

"Nairobi, as the capital and host of UNEP, cannot afford to have its river in such a polluted state. The current condition of the Nairobi River cannot be the face of Kenya," Ruto said during the launch on September 12, 2024.

The program is set to create at least 200,000 jobs nationwide, with a minimum of 1,500 beneficiaries per county.

How it will work

Participants will work in alternating two-week shifts, earning Sh500 per day, while supervisors will receive Sh550.

Payments will be made via mobile money every two weeks, allowing workers to take home Sh7,000 and supervisors Sh7,700 at the end of their shifts.

Activities to be undertaken

The beneficiaries will engage in various activities related to roads, infrastructure, and environmental conservation.

Tasks will include road construction, greening initiatives, and the maintenance and clean-up of highways.

They will also participate in tree planting, solid waste management, affordable housing projects, and the rehabilitation of riparian lands.

"This programme is a key part of our national climate action plan. Climate change is no longer a myth—it is an existential threat," Ruto stated during the launch in Korogocho area, Nairobi.

The initiative aligns with the Kenya Kwanza administration's Bottom-up Economic Transformation (BETA) strategy, focusing on creating jobs while addressing climate change challenges.

How to Apply

Kenyans aged 18 and older can apply for this program. Interested individuals should visit the Climate Resilience Service Program (CRSP) portal at crsp.go.ke.

The application process requires participants to provide their full name, gender, phone number, date of birth, National Identity Card Number or Maisha Number, and details about their county and area of residence, along with their education and skill level.

However, online registration for the first phase in Nairobi County has already closed.