It is reported that about 650 trainees will be through Governor Jackson Mandago’s administration which is trying to curb with the high rate of unemployment in the county which most youth graduates suffer. It is estimated that both young men and women will be paid in this order; Sh 13,500 one with a degree, Sh 11,500 one with a diploma and Sh 8,500 for a certificate holder.
So the total annual pay will be Sh40 million for degree graduates, Sh34 million for all diploma graduates and Sh15 million for certificate graduates. However due to what specific duties the interns will be assigned to, it is reported that the Interns are expected to stay for Twelve months before they finish. According to the County Service Board Chairman Joseph Tanui he says the county has set aside the money for the interns during their internship. He also states that the money is a sign of appreciation for the interns during their internship stay.
It is reported that the money for the interns is 30 percent of the total revenue which the County government collected during the 2016/2017 period. Although there is no clear indication if the county will be able to sustain the internship program due to most counties struggling to pay regular workers.
All interns are drawn from across the 30 county wards are set to present their academic papers to the county authorities between today and tommorrow. “We are rolling out internship programs all geared towards giving unemployed graduates in the county a chance to gain practical work experience. It is one of Governor Jackson Mandago’s promises during the 2017 general elections,” said Mr. Tanui.
MIXED REACTIONS.
The plan has however drawn mixed reactions, with Member of County Assembly (MCA) Francis Muya opining that the number of applicants should have been scaled down if the objectives of the plan are to be realized. “I support governor Mandago’s plan on the internship program which is populist but how I wish the move should not have been hurriedly implemented so that we can weigh it on the needs and development agenda.
He added: “Similarly, the number of individuals should have been reduced to 150 so that the amount can cover mainly rent, transportation and food,” he said. The County Budget and Appropriations committee chairman Mr. Jonathan Ng’etich said before setting aside the funds, the committee scrutinized all the policy documents from various departments. “In our querying, we advised all the departments involved to ensure that they come up with a comprehensive policy report backing the internship program. It is a good initiative that seeks to provide skills to our youths,” said Mr. Jonathan.
“Where are the policy documents that will back the programme and what is the criteria that was used in selecting the interns? If the county cannot pay its workers, where will they get money to pay trainees,” asked Brian Kiprono,” a resident. Another resident, Magoi Kibet however backed the idea saying it will ‘give hope to the youths.’
