Residents of Kanaani location in Mavoko have demanded to be given 40-70 per cent of jobs at a leather processing plant set to be established in the area.
They expressed fears that the Sh7 billion government project to be established in the location could benefit people from other counties if they are not given special consideration.
"Local youth should be assured of 40-70 per cent of the jobs in the industrial companies, many youth around work in sand quarries and end up dying at work due to pathetic conditions they operate in," said Jackson Kioko, a resident of Kimongo phase one slum in Kanaani.
Mr Kioko said majority of the youth from the Kanaani, though not learned due to their poor backgrounds, were both energetic and hard working and therefore fit for the unskilled jobs.
An elder, Joseph Kiae on his part commended the government for considering the region for the project arguing it will improve the region's economy.
Mr Kiae said infrastructure that includes roads, bridges alongside problems such as water scarcity, inadequate health services, underdeveloped schools and lack of proper markets would be considered by the state as part of the corporate social responsibilities when the project kicks off.
Environment and Watershed Management specialist, Michael Wairagu, assured the residents that the project's implementing agency, the Export Processing Zone Authority, would look into their 40-70 per cent job concerns.
Mr Wairagu said the locals would be given first priority in opportunities and tendering to supply construction materials among other supplies during the project's lifetime.
The residents spoke during a public sensitisation meeting on the project at Kanaani Shopping Centre in Mavoko sub-county on Tuesday.