The Shiny Numbers
The package is undeniably attractive. The government promises a cool KSh 50,000 startup capital for each of the 6,720 selected beneficiaries. For a jobless youth in the village, this amount is a lifeline that could change everything.
The "Sting" in the Tail
However, the controversy lies in the fine print. The money isn't coming as a lump sum, and the government has attached strict strings.
In Phase One, beneficiaries only receive KSh 25,000. But here is the catch: they don't even get to touch all of that. The state has mandated that KSh 3,000 be immediately deducted and sent to NSSF under the "Haba na Haba" savings scheme.
This leaves the youth with only KSh 22,000 in their "Pochi la Biashara" for actual business. Critics are already arguing this looks like a government desperate to boost NSSF liquidity using youth money. "Why force a broke youth to save for retirement before they have even made a single shilling in profit?" one skeptical trader asked.
The Loyalty "Carrot"
Even more controversial is Phase Two. The remaining KSh 25,000 is not guaranteed immediately. It follows later, purportedly to help businesses "stabilise and expand". Skeptics view this structured release as a "loyalty leash"—keeping the youth waiting (and likely behaving) for the administration to release the second tranche.
Buying the Mountain?
With Kindiki firmly by his side, Ruto’s specific focus on these three Mt. Kenya East counties raises political eyebrows. Is this pure development, or is KSh 168 million the price of pacifying a restless region?
What is your take? Is the mandatory NSSF deduction fair, or should the youth be given the full amount to decide for themselves?
0 Comments