Thika town MCA Elizabeth Muthoni has appealed to youths to stop joining criminal groups and instead focus on bettering their lives.
Speaking when she met Ward youth leaders on Tuesday, the MCA alleged that cases of young people joining criminal gangs were on the rise.
The MCA observed that many youths have resorted to crime as a result of depression for failing to get employment.
“Our young people are being consumed by crime, there is need for urgent intervention,” she said.
Muthoni asked the Kiambu county government to intervene and create jobs for the youths. The Thika MCA said unemployment is the major issue that has seen young people resort to crime and drug abuse.
The Ward representative added that the government must create more job opportunities for the youth. Muthoni appealed to youths to shun crime and engage in development activities taking place at county and sub county levels.
She also asked the youths to apply for development funds being provided by the national and the county government.
Muthoni said the opportunities being provided by the State such as 30 % tender for youths will go a long way in addressing unemployment.