Residents of Kiandutu slums have lauded the national government for deploying National Youth Service (NYS) officers in the slum.
The residents said the officers have helped to reduce insecurity and drug abuse in the area.
The slum, in the outskirts of Thika town, has been associated with crime, dirt and all kinds of negativity.
However, a tour of the area portrays a totally different picture as the locals are full of praise of NYS officers for transforming the slum often referred to as a ‘hotbed’ of crime.
The enterprises are booming and according to Paul Mwangi, a wholesaler and M-Pesa agent, the security has improved ever since the deployment of the officers in the slum early this year.
He said he can now sleep without fear of being attacked by robbers. “At night we sleep soundly without worrying about our security, businesses have improved since people these days have money to spend and to use via M-Pesa,” he said.
James Kuria, a young trader who runs a hotel and a video hall confirmed Mwangi’s sentiments saying the NYS officers have improved the lives of Kiandutu youth and women, and are now proud of the initiative.
He said that the fight against the illicit liquor was the key factor that also contributed to fighting and insecurity in the area.
He thanked President Uhuru Kenyatta for the life-changing initiative.
Another resident said that there is a police post and an aggressive working Nyumba Kumi team that monitors the security situation in all corners of the slum.
The government, in its bid to boost security has also erected 10 light masts to light up the slum.