Kazi Mtaani, also known as the National Hygiene Program (NHP), is a Kenyan government initiative launched in April 2020 to provide employment opportunities for youth, particularly those in informal settlements, to cushion them against the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program has evolved over time, with its latest iteration in 2025 rebranded as the Climate Resilience Service Program (CRSP) or "Climate Workx." It focuses on community service, environmental conservation, and infrastructure maintenance, offering temporary work to young Kenyans aged 18 to 35. One of the most frequently asked questions about the program is: How much does Kazi Mtaani pay? This article explores the payment structure across its phases, eligibility, and other key details.

Payment Structure Across Phases

The Kazi Mtaani program has seen variations in its payment structure across different phases, influenced by factors such as location, phase of the program, and the number of participants. Below is a breakdown of the payment rates based on available information:

Phase 1 (2020)

• Daily Wage: Workers in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa were paid Ksh 653.10 per day, while those in other municipalities earned Ksh 600 per day.
• Weekly Payment: Payments were made weekly via mobile money platforms like M-Pesa. For example, in some counties, workers who completed three days of work received Ksh 1,365, while those who worked two days earned Ksh 910.
• Challenges: Some youths reported receiving lower payments, with claims of as little as Ksh 206.80 per day in certain instances, leading to complaints about underpayment.

Phase 2 (2020–2021)

• Daily Wage: To accommodate a larger recruitment pool of approximately 270,000 youths, the daily wage was reduced to Ksh 455 for workers and Ksh 505 for supervisors.
• Payment Issues: Delays in payments were reported, often due to administrative issues like unregistered M-Pesa lines or mismatched identification details. Workers were sometimes required to fill out indemnity forms to resolve payment disputes.

Phase 3 (2021–2022)

• Daily Wage: The payment rate remained at Ksh 455 per worker and Ksh 505 per supervisor, despite allegations from some political leaders that the government had promised Ksh 1,000 per day. These claims were refuted by officials, who clarified that Ksh 450–455 was the budgeted amount.
• Payment Scale: In 2022, the government released Ksh 554 million to pay 164,372 youths, with payments varying based on the number of days worked.
• Public Sentiment: Youths expressed dissatisfaction with the payment amounts, with some claiming they were promised Ksh 653 but received less.

Climate Workx Program (2025)

• Daily Wage: The revitalized Kazi Mtaani under the Climate Workx program, launched on June 3, 2025, offers Ksh 500 per day for general workers and Ksh 550 per day for supervisors, who are primarily sourced from the National Youth Service (NYS).
• Work Schedule: Workers are engaged in 10-day shifts, with payments processed via M-Pesa. The program targets over 110,000 youths, with roles in environmental conservation, road maintenance, and community cleaning.
• Public Reaction: Some Kenyans have criticized the Ksh 500 daily wage, arguing that it is insufficient given inflation since 2020, with calls for an increase to Ksh 1,000 per day.

Eligibility and Application Process

To participate in Kazi Mtaani, applicants must meet specific criteria:

• Be Kenyan citizens aged 18–35 with a valid national ID.
• Reside in the targeted communities or informal settlements.
• Be unemployed and willing to perform manual or semi-skilled work.
• Not be beneficiaries of other COVID-19 relief programs.

Applications are submitted online through portals like www.kms.go.ke or www.crsp.go.ke (for the 2025 Climate Workx program). The process is digital, with no physical forms accepted, and requires details such as personal information, location, and employment status.

Impact and Challenges

Kazi Mtaani has been praised for providing income-generating opportunities and reducing crime rates in areas like Athi River by engaging youths in productive work. However, the program has faced challenges, including:

• Payment Delays: Administrative issues, such as incorrect M-Pesa registration or incomplete personal details, have caused delays.
• Underpayment Claims: Youths in earlier phases reported receiving less than promised, sparking public outcry.
• Program Discontinuation: The initiative was discontinued in 2022 by President William Ruto to focus on affordable housing but was reintroduced in 2025 as Climate Workx.
• Public Expectations: Some youths and leaders have called for higher wages to match inflation and living costs.

The Kazi Mtaani program has been a significant initiative for Kenyan youth, offering temporary employment and skill-building opportunities. Payment rates have varied across phases, starting at Ksh 600–653.10 in 2020, dropping to Ksh 455–505 in later phases, and rising to Ksh 500–550 in the 2025 Climate Workx program. While the initiative has empowered many, challenges like payment delays and disputes over wage amounts highlight areas for improvement. For the latest updates on Kazi Mtaani, including application details and payment schedules, visit official portals like www.crsp.go.ke or www.kms.go.ke.[](https://pressrelease.co.ke/news/352)[](https://recruitmentfile.net/kazi-mtaani-application-registration-form/)