Atwoli urges Ruto to revive Jomo Kenyatta’s 1972 employment policy

The Central Organization of Trade Unions Kenya (COTU-K) has urged President William Ruto to consider implementing an Employment Initiative by the Late First President of Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta in 1972.

The policy required that all government parastatals and ministries employ 10% of their total workforce.

In a statement issued Monday, COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli asserted that reinstating the policy would provide immediate job opportunities and reduce the number of unemployed Kenyans.

“During the recently concluded International Labour Day celebrations, COTU (K) formally requested President Ruto to consider reinstating this policy with the understanding that such an initiative is crucial in addressing the ongoing challenges of high unemployment rates, which have been a significant factor in the current demonstrations across Kenya,” said Atwoli.

“Kenya is currently facing an unemployment crisis, particularly among the youth, and, therefore, the revival of the 10% employment mandate would provide immediate job opportunities and reduce the number of jobless citizens,” he added

The COTU SG further stated that the initiative would serve as a pathway to fostering economic stability and growth, which in turn would promote political stability and reduce social unrest.

“It is the view of COTU (K) that, among the many actions to be taken by the President of Kenya, the provision of employment opportunities through this initiative would help mitigate the ongoing demonstrations and promote social cohesion.”