Cabinet Secretary Ann Waiguru upbeat over Kibera National Youth Service project

 Devolution and Planning Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru lays a foundation stone for one of the modern toilets being constructed by the National Youth Service in Kibera.

Nairobi, Kenya: Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru, took a trip back to one of Nairobi's biggest slums to assess the work being done by the National Youth Service.

Ms Waiguru walked through Makina, Mashimoni, and Katwekera where the NYS servicemen are building toilets, bridges and garbage collection centres. She also inspected the storm-water drainage canals and the sewer lines.

"As you can see, there is considerable progress. Drainage was almost unrecognisable. The last time we came here, it was blocked by trash," said Waiguru.

The project targets to construct 180 toilets. "We had originally assumed to have 50 toilets, but now they will do 180 to cover entire Kibera, and connect them to sewer lines. We will make considerable difference in this area," the CS said at the site.

Already, five toilets are past half way done, and soon will be complete. The programme has engaged 1,700 local youths and various women groups from Kibera community, who are also receiving training in construction. They are working under NYS servicemen. Every serviceman works with five youths in the project.

She explained that the Kibera project is one of the five-point Government programmes that would involve NYS.

The projects are to be rolled out in other parts of the country such as control of tsetse flies at the Coast, and construction of water dams and pans in North Eastern Province.

The CS suggested initiation of recreational activities in collaboration with the Ministry of Youths and Sports, to engage the youths after work, in which they can organise tournaments.

Kibera residents are upbeat about the projects, saying the programme would bring them clean environment.  Youths are earning between Sh250 and Sh500 in a day. "This programme is godsend. It is giving youths money and engaging them," said Mary Awino, a resident of Makina.