Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs Sicily Kariuki Wednesday launched the National Youth Service (NYS) Vector Control Programme.

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The programmed was launched at Paradise Area, Viwandani Ward, Makadara constituency.

Its main aim is to combat disease-causing vectors that include bedbugs, fleas and rodents in the area.

NYS will deploy a manual vector control brigade to cover the 13 villages of Viwandani ward.

“We are pleased at the work the youth have done here clearing garbage, unclogging drainage and installing varied community assets for the welfare of the community. More particularly we are happy to note that the youth have been able to make cumulative savings of over Sh19 million under the 5 SACCOs which are now fully registered,” stated CS Kariuki.

The Vector Control Program is spearheaded by the NYS Vector Control Detachment that is charged with eradicating mosquitos to reduce the killer malaria infection and to create disease-free zones.

“The NYS Programme has had tremendous impact in the lives of the youth enrolled in the programme and the public in general. It is for this reason that we are committed to continue expanding the scope of the project so that it can reach more people and transform the lives of more young people especially the most vulnerable in urban and rural settings,” said the CS.

The NYS Youth Empowerment Program was launched in July 2015 in Makadara Constituency and has engaged a total of 1,109 Community Youths in various environmental management activities in 4 wards namely; Viwandani, Makongeni, Mbotela and Makadara.

Earlier, responding to residents’ requests for assistance, the CS informed them that her Ministry is in charge of Affirmative Funds which cater for youths, women and persons with disability.

To access the funds, CS Kariuki encouraged the residents to register as groups that will be trained on how to translate the money advanced into businesses.

During the occasion, CS Kariuki reiterated the government’s commitment to support each Kenyan in every region in equal measures.