Raila Bemoans Rise in Commodity Prices And Joblessness

Nairobi Star (Nairobi)

George Murage

25 June 2011

The Prime Minister Raila Odinga has admitted high fuel prices coupled with the soaring price of maize meal is a serious challenge to the economy. This, he said, was made worse by the collapse of the Kenya Shilling and the failure of the long rains. He said: “This is a very serious situation and the trend is worrying and has made the government to declare drought a national disaster.”

He said unemployment, especially among the youth, presents a grim picture with the numbers increasing each year by 67 per cent. “We have about half a million people joining the labour market evey year and we have no jobs to offer and the private sector should join in to help alleviate the crisis,” he said. Raila said the government is in the process of launching the second phase of Kazi Kwa Vijana programme.

Thousands of youths who lack formal education will get temporary labour intensive job opportunities. The second phase will offer private sector internships and training for youths seeking to hone their skills. “The main objective is to improve youth employability through work experience and skills upgrading in both formal and informal sectors,” he said.

He made the statement at the opening ceremony of the National Economic and Social Council meeting at the Sopa Lodge Naivasha. Raila urged participants to focus on the state of the economy and come up with a strategy to help the ailing economy. He told the forum to recommend means of helping business hire more young people graduating from university.

He admitted the economy was in a crisis, but was quick to add that the government was doing everything possible to avert a crisis. Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi, ministers Amos Kimunya, Chirau Mwakwere, Franklin Bett, Beth Mugo and head of civil service Francis Muthaura attended the forum.

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