Youth living along the Kisumu-Busia Highway have urged the government to employ locals from the area in the ongoing road construction.
The youth claim that the construction that started last year has seen youths from neighbouring places getting casual jobs at the expense of the locals.
Speaking to this writer on Tuesday morning, Kisumu Youth Forum Chairman Martin Okonga faulted the manner in which the government and the contractor have treated the locals concerning the road construction.
“We have able youths in this area and they don’t have formal employment therefore, it should be a blessing to them when such opportunities come around. However, the government has sidelined them and taking people from different areas to carry out these small tasks which the area youth should benefit from,” said Okonga.
Okonga said such jobs are key to fighting vices such as crime and drug abuse in the society, saying most youths would be fully kept busy.
“This jobs area meant to keep youth busy, but when they are denied such opportunities, then most of the them would opt to engage in crime and drug abuse because they will have nothing else do to. This really begs the question what are the governments priorities to its people”, added Chairman Okonga.
He stated there was no meaning of initiating such projects if the locals do not benefit from them. Okonga also said many people had allowed the road to be constructed in the area, and it is their hope that something will be done soon.