Murugi Ndwiga
In a powerful show of enthusiasm and hope, 9,958 young people from across Embu County have thrown their hats in the ring for the Climate WorX programme, a government-backed green jobs initiative aimed at tackling youth unemployment while fighting climate change.
The online application window closed on June 18, marking the end of an intense rush that saw thousands of youth aged 18 to 35 sign up for a chance to earn daily wages while making a tangible impact on their environment.
Embu County Commissioner Jack Obuo confirmed that Embu has been allocated 829 worker positions and 29 supervisor slots, which will now be distributed equitably across all 20 wards of the county. He assured the public that the recruitment process will observe fairness, inclusivity, and gender balance to ensure no community is left behind.
“This programme is not just about job, it’s about restoring dignity, creating opportunity, and protecting our environment,” said Obuo after chairing the County Steering Committee meeting on Thursday.
The Climate WorX programme, part of a wider social protection and climate resilience strategy, provides structured employment in vital sectors such as road construction, tree planting, public works, and environmental sanitation. It’s designed not only to offer short-term income but also to build local capacity for climate adaptation.
With nearly 10,000 applicants and only 858 total slots, the competition is fierce. However, Obuo assured that Sub-County Committees, led by Deputy County Commissioners, will begin a ward-by-ward recruitment process immediately upon receiving the master list of applicants.
“We’ll start by allocating each ward 30 youth workers and one supervisor, then distribute the remaining positions based on workload and area needs,” he explained. “Wards like Embu Town and Runyenjes are expected to receive more slots due to the concentration of infrastructure and sanitation projects there.”
To ensure transparency and avoid political tension or favoritism, the process will involve a broader team including County Government officials and Members of County Assembly (MCAs).
“Everyone must be at the table, this is a community-driven effort. It’s important that residents see the process as fair and credible,” Obuo added.
For the thousands of young men and women who applied, the programme represents more than a paycheck, it’s a doorway to purpose, empowerment, and meaningful work at a time when youth unemployment remains a pressing national concern.
With the recruitment set to begin in the coming days, Embu stands at the cusp of a youth-led green revolution, one tree, one road, and one job at a time.