The national government to make good its promise of reviving the National Youth Service programme in the country. MP Samuel Moroto said it has been a while since President Uhuru Kenyatta pledged to bring back the NYS project which was a hope for many of the beneficiaries and it’s high time he brings it to pass.
Speaking in Kapenguria while launching the Kapenguria Huduma Savings and Credit Sacco of former NYS workers which was started two years ago and has now raised Kshs 5 million from savings, Kapenguria MP Samuel Moroto said that many reformed warriors who had benefited from the projects by NYS have gone back to banditry and cattle rustling activities after it halted.
“The President promised to bring the projects back. Despite the many controversies that bedevilled the programme, let the NYS projects be revived. The corruption issues that surrounded the Service have been solved,” said Moroto.
The legislator noted that the NYS project was intended to empower and improve the economic status of thousands of unemployed youth. “Many youths who were engaging in cattle rustling had abandoned the culture but now they don’t have any income generating activity,” he said.
Moroto pointed out that the project had attracted a number of men and women out of which a majority of them engaged in cattle raids and illicit brewing along the West Pokot, Turkana and Elgeyo Marakwet borders. “We need reformed warriors to get an alternative way of survival. The project will help youth earn income and help in nation building,” he said.
The MP said the region has experienced relative peace after local leaders urged them to abandon the outdated cultural practice.
“The peace caravan we had early this year has produced fruits. We are still urging the youths to hold on as we wait for the government to incorporate them in the Nation Youth Service program,” he said.
West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo said the formation of cooperatives and Saccos will tackle youth unemployment in the area. “The Sacco has 600 members and Kshs 3.5 million in Kapenguria while other wards like Riwo, Kshs 1.1 million, and Sook has 79 members and Kshs 500,000 as savings. The youths have acquired motorbikes, poultry products to generate income, credits to run businesses,” he said.
Moreover, Governor Lonyangapuo pointed out that the West Pokot Economic Sacco [WEPSA ] Umbrella will give out credits to help fight poverty in the area. “We urge residents to join Cooperative Societies,”he said.
