The Central Organization of Trade Unions (K) secretary general Francis Atwoli has called on President William Ruto to consider reviving an employment initiative inspired by late former President Jomo Kenyatta.
In a statement on Monday, Atwoli said in 1972, former President Kenyatta mandated that all government parastatals and ministries employ 10 per cent of their total workforce.
"This visionary policy significantly alleviated unemployment and contributed to economic stability," Atwoli said.
He said during the recently concluded International Labour Day celebrations, Cotu formally requested Ruto to consider reinstating the Kenyatta policy.
He added 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.
Atwoli stated that Kenya is currently facing an unemployment crisis particularly among the youth.
"The revival of the 10 per cent employment mandate would provide immediate job opportunities and reduce the number of jobless citizens," he said.
"The revival will also foster economic stability and growth which have a resultant effect on political stability of the country considering the fact that high unemployment rates contribute to social unrest and dissatisfaction."
Atwoli viewed the revived employment initiative as a crucial step among many actions needed by the President to address Kenya's unemployment crisis.
"It is the view of Cotu (K) that, among the many actions to be taken by the President, the provision of employment opportunities through this initiative would help mitigate the ongoing demonstrations and promote social cohesion," he said.