Kiambu Woman Representative Anne Wamuratha has urged contractors undertaking major road projects in Juja Constituency to prioritise local youth in employment, saying the infrastructure investments should translate into tangible economic benefits for residents.
Ms Wamuratha said the construction of the Kimbo-Matangi-Ini and Ndarugu-Nyacaba-Kimuchu roads, launched by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, offered an opportunity to address unemployment while improving connectivity in the area.
Speaking during a public engagement in Juja, she welcomed the projects, saying residents had endured years of poor roads that had hampered economic activities and access to essential services.
She appealed to Prof Kindiki to ensure contractors engaged young people from the area in manual labour and other available positions.
“These contractors are building this road at a cost of more than Sh1 billion. I am asking you to ensure they give manual labour opportunities to the youth of Juja,” she said.
Ms Wamuratha cautioned against importing workers for jobs that could be performed by local residents, arguing that employing young people would help them earn incomes and improve their livelihoods.
Her appeal received a boost from Prof Kindiki, who directed contractors working on the roads, including those undertaking projects at Juja Farm, to employ local youth in all positions where their skills were available.
The Deputy President said only specialised jobs requiring skills unavailable locally should be filled by workers from outside the area.
Ms Wamuratha also raised concerns over a promised Sh3 million allocation to traders at Wetethie Market, saying the facility had been completed and beneficiaries were waiting for the funds.
She reminded the government of the commitment made by President William Ruto during his visit to the market, when he promised financial support to women traders.
The Woman Representative urged the relevant authorities to honour the pledge, saying the money would help traders expand their businesses and strengthen their economic independence.
Politically, Ms Wamuratha praised Prof Kindiki for responding to residents’ development demands, describing the road projects as evidence that the government was addressing longstanding concerns in Juja.
She also called for continued engagement between the national government and Kiambu residents, saying the region remained committed to working with the administration.
The road projects are expected to improve transport, ease movement of goods and services, and open up economic opportunities for residents across Juja Constituency.
