President Kenyatta’s Surprise Visit To Umoja Juakali Workshop, Launches Shs 1.9bn School Desks Project

President Uhuru Kenyatta Thursday 17 August accompanied by Education CS George Magoha, Interior CS Fred Matiang’i and PS Karanja Kibicho, made a surprise visit to a workshop in Umoja and launched craft desks, lockers, and chairs for public primary and secondary schools.

The Shs 1.9 billion school furniture project is part of the Government’s post-Covid-19 economic stimulus program, aimed at boosting the jua kali sector.

The workshop owned by a youth, Dean Achesa who is among thousands of local artisans contracted by the government for production will see the juakali artisans supply 650,000 locally assembled desks.

Speaking during the launch, the President said the project is modeled on the ongoing Kazi Mtaani youth employment initiative.

“After Kazi Mtaani program, we have said instead of school desks being made by big companies, we give our youth the opportunity to exercise their skills.

“We believe in individuals earning from their sweat and hence we decided to give our skilled youth the opportunity to earn decent livelihoods,” the President said.

The Head of State reiterated his commitment to continue improving the lives of all Kenyans by creating an enabling environment for hard working citizens to thrive.

“I don’t want to engage in empty politics of name calling. Rather, I am working hard to ensure all Kenyans work and enjoy the fruits of their labour,” he said.

The President directed the ministries of education and interior to ensure that the project benefits artisans across the country.

“We want to ensure all our youth with skills are engaged so as to benefit from their sweat. This program is not for Nairobi alone but for all Kenyans who are skilled and are working in the jua kali sector,” he said.

He challenged local artisans to ensure they assemble and supply desks that meet the highest quality standards and advised project beneficiaries to form saving societies to grow their earnings from the project.

“Once you start this work encourage all young people to form SACCO’s where they can be putting their savings. You should not utilise every coin, it is wise for you to save for the future,” the President said.