Hundreds of youths from Langas Estate, Eldoret on Monday turned up for a recruitment exercise for the Langas slum upgrading project spearheaded by National Youth Service.
The recruitment exercise which will see 600 youths enrolled was organised by the National Youth Service.
Speaking to the youths during the exercise, NYS Chief Inspector Maungu said that this was a government project aimed at improving the living standards of slum dwellers by improving the sanitation conditions.
He said the jobs, which will come as three months contracts, are also meant to create employment to the jobless youth, help curb drug and substance abuse, reduce crime rate in the area as well as alcohol abuse.
“Three quarters of the youth in Langas Estate are indulging in drug and substance abuse. We need to get them something to do because this comes as a result of idleness,” Maungu said.
He said the shortlisted youth alongside working to better Langas slum will be taught on life skills and dealing with other issues affecting them.
“During the initial days of the job, you will work in the morning hours then in the afternoon you go to class to learn and discuss life skills,” he told the youth.
Area Chief Mr Phillip Chemngok urged those who will be shortlisted to take up the task and do it whole heartedly. He also urged them to save some of the money they earn in Saccos.
The names of the 600 to be shortlisted will be known on Wednesday. Those shortlisted are supposed to commence working on the slum upgrade as from July 1 with guidance from the NYS officers.