Kiambu County Youth and Sports CEC Machel Waikenda has urged youths to shun criminal activities and instead join their leaders in development.
Speaking to a section of youths at Thika Town on Saturday, Waikenda said that joining criminal gangs is not solution to the problems facing young people.
The CeC said that youth have to take advantage of the opportunities given to them by the national and the county government to grow themselves.
“It is unfortunate that some youths are opting to join criminal gangs when the government has given them opportunity to grow through the Uwezo and Biashara Funds,” he said.
Waikenda said the county government is keen to promote the welfare of young people.
“We are determined to improve the welfare and interests of the youths through empowerment programmes,” he said.
Waikenda appealed to youths and other marginalized groups to come out and apply for the development funds.
He observed that thousands of youths across Kiambu have already benefited from the Uwezo and Biashara Fund.
Waikenda said that his office is still receiving applications for the funds adding that interested applicants should form groups to increase their chances of getting the money.
He at the same time warned youths against indulging in alcohol this festive season and instead asked them to use their free time wisely.