Uhuru Launches Sh1.9 Billion School Desks Project

President Kenyatta has launched Sh1.9 billion school furniture project that will see jua kali artisans supply 650,000 locally-assembled desks.

The project seeks to equip primary and secondary schools and is also part of the government’s post-Covid-19 economic stimulus program aimed at supporting the jua kali sector.

Uhuru said the project is modeled on the ongoing Kazi Mtaani youth employment program.

“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,” Kenyatta said while launching the program at a furniture workshop in Umoja estate, Nairobi.

Kenyatta reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the livelihoods 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 labor,” he said.

Uhuru directed Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. George Magoha and his Interior counterpart Fred Matiang’i to ensure the project benefits jua kali 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 added.

At the same time, he challenged local artisans to ensure they make desks that meet the highest quality standards even as he advised them to save in Saccos 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 utilize every coin, it is wise for you to save for the future.”