Kenya Wildlife service has recruited 110 Community Scouts at Makutano stadium in West Pokot county during a recruitment exercise that was conducted on Tuesday.
The exercise attracted thousands of male and female youths who are jobless as long queues were experienced at the stadium. Thousands of youths across the county turned out for the recruitment exercise with only 110 getting an opportunity to join the service.
A number of youths said the exercise attracted close to 3000 youths because most of the youths are unemployed despite being graduands with different cadres. West Pokot county is among the marginalized counties where youths used to spend most of their time engaging in banditry activities some years back but the narrative has changed and youths are now engaged in beneficial activities.
Most of the youths who turned up for the event came from border of West Pokot and Turkana county to try their luck.
Salim Chirchir a parent said most of the youths are unemployed hence asked the labor ministry to consider employment of youths in the community.
“Most of the youths from West Pokot county are not employed because they wasted their time in cattle rustling. We are pleading with the national government to consider allocating more slots to such counties.” He said. Benjamin Limo said the exercise was free and fair and he could not be able to join college education because he lacked school fees.
“Am happy have been recruited their are so many youths outside there who have degrees but are not employed . We are requesting other security bodies when conducting their recruitment they should be transparent.” He said.
Dickson Rutto Mnagei ward MCA aspirant noted that youths need to be empowered.
“It will reach a point where youths won’t marry or be married because of unemployment . Most of the youths who turned up for the exercise are boda-boda riders who have degrees it’s really shocking.” He said. Hamisi Amulavu West Pokot county Kenya Wildlife warden said 76 males and 34 females were recruited after the exercise in the ratio of 7: 3
He noted that the exercise was free and fair and the next exercise will be for recruiting KWS ranger’s.
“They will work within West Pokot county checking on wildlife welfare.” He said.