Government urged to Prioritize Youth Employment at Lamu Port

Nov 27, 2023 - 14:57

Lamu Women Representative Monica Marubu addressing Mpeketoni church goers during a fundraising event at the local Deliverance Church, where she urged the national government to prioritize giving port jobs to local youths, ahead of Lamu Port Concessioning. (Photo by Amenya Ochieng).

Lamu,

Monday November 27, 2023

KNA by Amenya Ochieng

Lamu county women representative Monica Marubu has called on the national government to facilitate employment of the local youth, following operationalization of the Lamu Port.

Speaking during a fundraising event at the Mpeketoni’s Deliverance Church, Marubu said, "With the Lamu Port now fully operational and bustling with maritime activities, it is imperative that our youths are given the chance to secure jobs within the facility.”

She said this will only contribute to their personal growth, but also address the broader issues of poverty and unemployment that often leads to crime and violent extremism.

Highlighting the economic significance of the county in national development, the Women Representative stated that the Lamu Port presents a perfect opportunity for the region to become a significant contributor to the national economy.

“For this Sh40 billion investment to be truly viable, we must ensure that our youths are equipped with skills and accorded the available opportunities needed so as to be an integral part of the port's workforce," she said.

The MP further urged the national government to prioritize the viability of the Lamu Port ahead of the planned port’s concessioning, emphasizing that it would not only benefit the local community, but would also attract additional investments into the county.

Marubu also called upon the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) to play an active role in youth employment by hiring more Lamu youths.

She pointed out that many local individuals have already acquired port operation skills in anticipation of job opportunities at the Lamu Port.

"Investing in a ready and skilled workforce is crucial for the success of the Lamu Port and I urge the Kenya Ports Authority to recognize the potential within our youth and provide them with the chance to contribute to the growth and success of the port," Marubu urged.

Meanwhile, since its commissioning in 2021, the port has already received a notable 45 ships, underlining its strategic importance in the country’s economic growth.

Courtesy; KNA