Nakuru Governor Kinuthia Mbugua has asked the youth to change their employment mentality to becoming self-employed and independent.
Speaking in Nakuru West on Thursday after launching the Slum upgrading programme, he took issue with young people who do not want to work hard in life to earn a living.
He noted that young people were engaging in drugs and illicit brews because of idleness, something he said was avoidable.
“Our youth have been engaging in illicit brews and substance abuse because of idleness. Please look for something to do,” he said.
Mbugua asked youth to form groups and solicit for loans that will enable them venture into business.
“We have many government loans that are at your disposal but you don’t want to come for them. Write proposals, make demands and you will find a way to keep yourself busy,” he advised.
The programme dubbed The Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Project (Kisip) is funded by the World Bank and is aimed at improving the livelihoods of slum dwellers across the country by making basic facilities better and more affordable.
About 1,500 youths were recruited in Nakuru West Sub-County and will work together with the National Youth Service (NYS) officers.
“It’s now time to elevate our county to world class status. This is just the beginning and more projects that will make Nakuru better are in the offing,” Governor Mbugua said.
“We are not only concerned about Nakuru West residents, everything has a beginning. London Estates and Naivasha will receive the second batch of the allocation.” He said.
The Governor further asked for cooperation amongst all slum dwellers arguing that the project was meant to make their lives better.