Nairobi North Sub-Region County Commissioner (CC) Simon Osumba has urged young people to shun criminal activities and engage in constructive initiatives including climate action programmes, even as the government seeks to expand employment opportunities under the Nairobi Rivers Basin Regeneration Programme (NaBREP).

Speaking during the 63rd Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kamukunji Technical and Vocational Training College, Osumba also urged young people to exercise their democratic rights by registering as voters and evaluating elected leaders based on their performance.

“We request our youths, especially Gen Z, to use their voter cards as a weapon to remove those who are not performing. You need to weigh all elected leaders and avoid those who want to lure you into illegal activities,” he said.

The CC said the government was planning to recruit an additional 5,000 young people in Nairobi under NaBREP, urging them to take advantage of employment opportunities in environmental conservation.

He also called for stronger community policing, asking residents to work closely with police officers and the National Government Administrative Officersb (NGAOs) by reporting all criminal activities, instead of taking the law into their own hands.

Osumba further encouraged residents to embrace the Affordable Housing Programme, particularly the more than 4,000 housing units being developed in Shauri Moyo, which he said were nearing completion.

He commended local leaders and residents for supporting government development initiatives, noting that the modern Gikomba Market was progressing towards its second phase.

Additionally, the CC highlighted plans for a new football facility in Kamukunji, which he likened to Manchester United’s Old Trafford Stadium, saying the project would contribute to sports development in the area.

On education, Osumba assured candidates sitting for the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment and Junior School examinations that NGAOs would work with the relevant agencies to ensure examination materials reached centres on time and that adequate security was maintained.

He called on parents and guardians to take greater responsibility for their children, warning that leaving them unsupervised could expose them to criminal activities and other social risks.

The CC further warned traders involved in the illegal sale of alcoholic drinks, urging chiefs, assistant chiefs and Members of County Assembly to collaborate in identifying unlawful liquor outlets and enforcing the law.

He said residents had a collective responsibility to maintain peace, protect young people and support development programmes, aimed at improving livelihoods across the country.

By Aron Kinyamasyo