Kenya Government injects Shs2b into jobs drive

The government has provided Shs2b for apprenticeship under the Green Jobs programme under the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.

The money is reflected in the ministry’s approved budget proposals for the financial year 2019/20 and will be rolled out for the year starting July 1.

The programme is aimed at creation of decent jobs, enhancement of labour productivity and reduction of poverty.

The Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Ms Janat Mukwaya, said the programme is critical to the socio-economic transformation of Uganda.

“Besides tackling unemployment and low labour productivity, the programme will lead to local production of goods that are hitherto imported,” said Ms Mukwaya last week.

The minister also said implementation of the programme will facilitate import substitution, export promotion and reduction in the country’s trade balance.

Ms Mukwaya, however, stated that the Shs30b is what was requested by the ministry for apprenticeship and that the Shs2b earmarked for the next financial year is inadequate, given the target outputs and demand in the country’s unemployed population.

“At least Shs15b is required to kick start the scheme,” she said.

About the programme

The programme was approved by Cabinet chaired by President Museveni on December 7, 2016 with the aim of creating Green-start-ups for both the educated and uneducated working age population particularly women and youth.

In 2018, Cabinet further approved the national apprenticeship framework and directed the Ministry of Gender to urgently design and implement the national apprenticeship scheme in the key sectors of the economy such as oil and gas, agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and construction.

The total approved budget is Shs77b.

Ms Mukwaya told Daily Monitor that so far under the Green Jobs Programme, more than 1,970 informal jobs in greater Kampala have been supported with equipment and toolkits.

“Seven youth groups and women groups have also been supported with innovation grants worth Shs70m,” she said.

Currently, the ministry is pre-occupied with crafting a national workplace based learning policy and a national green jobs creation strategy and plan that will see the programme’s national cover.

“The criteria for placement for apprenticeship will be developed in July, after the establishment and operationalisation of national apprenticeship steering committee and sectorial apprenticeship committee,” Ms Mukwaya said.Green jobs components

1.Support the informal sector (Jua-kalis) business.

2. Revitalisation of quality apprenticeship and volunteerism in Uganda.

3.Establishment of Industrial Business shelters with common-user-facilities in all urban centres and KCCA.

4.Promote Green incubation centres using Songhai Model in all regions 

5.Strengthen social safe guards at work places

6.Promotion of Decent/Green Jobs abroad

7.Strengthening local governments and Kampala Capital City Authority in Green Jobs Creation.