NYS slum programme kicks off in Nakuru

NAKURU: Over 1,300 youth in Nakuru West sub-county have been recruited to the much awaited National Youth Service slum upgrading programme that was officially flagged off by Governor Kinuthia Mbugua.

The youths will be responsible for the day-to-day cleaning of the slums within the county and doing other odd jobs aimed at enabling the residents access basic facilities.

Governor Mbugua said the programme was timely considering the ongoing operations and campaign against illicit alcohol in the country adding that most youths have been spending most of their time at drinking sprees.

"The youths have been engaged in alcohol and substance abuse due to idleness, and with this kind of engagement, they will be able to use their time wisely to benefit themselves. I also call on the national government to roll out programmes in other sub-counties," he said.

Other ongoing projects to upgrade the slum include the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (Kisip) funded by World Bank.

The governor said the Kisip programme will soon be rolled out in London estate, and Naivasha sub-county. Other projects under Kisip include flood lighting, roads network and drainage.

The governor observed that since the introduction of flood-lights, security in the fastest growing town has improved.

"Improved drainage will end flooding of downside areas of the town due to storm water and also help in combating disease outbreak," he said.