Mutua orders audit of youth unemployment in Machakos

Governor Alfred Mutua addresses the press.

Governor Alfred Mutua has ordered a statistical audit of youth unemployment in Machakos County with a view of setting up an accurate data bank of both skilled and unskilled human capital.

Dr Mutua says the data, once ready will help his administration plan effectively on how to create and expand employment opportunities for the young people in a country where opportunities have shrunk.

The Governor said the state of idleness among Kenyan youth was a matter of great concern which should be dealt with swiftly before it runs out of hand.

“I have directed my ministry of youth affairs and other relevant departments to start collecting data of the actual number of youth who are unemployed, their skill levels and income. This will help me plan better for them,” Mutua said after inspecting the ongoing construction works of the Mavoko stadium in Athi River town.

He said his government, as part of youth development plan, was providing free training in the 39 established youth polytechnics in order to empower them and boost the county’s human resource potential.

He said it was important to also ensure youths were occupied with talent development even as the government explored ways of creating opportunities for formal and informal employment.

“Even as we wait for jobs to grow, my government is currently constructing four stadiums, out of a program to construct nine new facilities to be completed by this December,” Dr Mutua said.

The stadiums currently under construction include Mavoko, Masii, Ikombe and Kinyui. “Works for the construction of other new stadiums will start in July this year in Mitaboni, Kangundo, Ekalakala, Kalama and Machakos town,” he added.

Mutua said the aim was to engage the youth and grow talent in a structured manner. He said the plan will also uplift sporting standards in sub-counties besides promoting tourism.

He said once complete, Machakos will from next year be able to host an international event in the nine facilities which will be IAFF and FIFA approved.