One of the SGR project site in Naivasha. [Photo/The Star]
Youths on Wednesday stormed the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) site in Naivasha demanding jobs.
The youths invaded the contractor's offices in Mai Mahiu and paralyzed operations.
Police officers from the nearby station intervened when the youths attempted to block Mai Mahiu-Narok road.
The youths said they were promised jobs when the contractor set up two sites for SGR extension from Nairobi to Naivasha.
A youth Lanikoni ole Kasimel said they had been flocking the area for jobs only to be told to wait yet work is on.
"The president made it clear that when works start, local youths should be given job opportunities," Kasimel said.
They accused the Chinese contractor of denying them jobs.
John Mwangi said the contractor went against the president's promise and brought youths from other areas to work at the site.
Isaac Masinde, Naivasha deputy county commissioner urged the youths to be patient and maintain peace, saying work is yet to start in the area.
The commissioner said the contractor was in the process of preparing equipment to start works.
"The route has not been gazetted. Once it is done within the next one month, we will inform the youths so they can apply just as we have done in other projects, said the commissioner.