By C, KNA
Youth and women drawn from Kabarnet Town in Baringo County are optimistic that the Kabarnet Affordable Housing Project (AHP) will turn around their lives
Speaking during site handover to the project contractor at the former MOTC Public Works quarters in Kabarnet Town the residents called for a strict adherence to 75 per cent local labour and materials policy which will enable them secure job and business opportunities.
Mr. David Kitilit a former MCA praised the project saying youths will no longer have to go to Middle East to do manual jobs as they will access the jobs locally through the project.
Women representative from Kabarnet Market and local community said a lot of job opportunities will come up as construction of a university and new sports stadium are also set to begin
AFP Baringo County Committee Chair Isaac Chebon said his team oversees the project to ensure quality workmanship. He also asked the residents to buy the houses once completed.
Baringo Central Member of Parliament Joshua Kandie who presided over the handing over together with the County Commissioner Stephen Kutwa said 2000 more units targeting university students will be launched soon.
He called on women and youth to get ready to take up the opportunities coming with the projects adding that he will liaise with the contractor to ensure local skilled youths as well as local suppliers gets prioritized for job and business opportunities from the project.
Kandie also said he will fast track the sewerage project as it is key for AFP to Succeed. He called on the county government to ensure regular supply of water in the town.
According to Kandie recruitment committee will constitute officials from his office and chief’s office to provide the manpower for the project.
His sentiments were echoed by CEC lands Eng. Lekonaya Kibwalei who called on the contractor to increase the ratio of the locals working in the project beyond the stipulated 75 per cent saying there were a lot of skilled youths who can take up the remaining 25 per cent.
All the speakers present also took time to condemn illicit alcohol and called on the youth to shun them.
On his part Mr Kutwa warned that he will mop up all the drunkards in the town calling on politicians not to interfere with the operation just like they have done on the illegal firearms mop up in the county.