Isiolo Governor Abdi Hassan Guyo has urged KeNHA to employ youths in the Lapsset Garissa-Isiolo road project.
In a meeting held on Wednesday, Guyo noted that by doing so, the youths's welfare will be prioritized in the 305-kilometre road project.
"The construction of this road is a vital infrastructure project that the people of Isiolo believe will transform lives in our county. However, I urge you to consider our people, especially the youth, when recruiting for manpower in constructing this road," he asserted.
The Governor was speaking during a meeting in Nairobi with officials from the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and the project's consultant to discuss the construction of the LAPSSET Corridor Development Project Stage.
During the meeting, Governor Guyo emphasized the transformative impact the road construction would have on the socio-economic landscape of Isiolo County.
The meeting was also attended by key stakeholders, including Isiolo County Commissioner Geoffrey Omoding, County Secretary Dade Boru, Majority Leader Abdirashid Ali, NGOs representative Molu Koropu, KENHA Director General, Contractors, and other dignitaries.
Isiolo County Woman Representative Mumina Bonaya emphasized the importance of ensuring the project benefits the local population, particularly the youth often marginalized in employment opportunities.
KeNHA officials and the project's consultant briefed the Governor on the challenges faced during the implementation.
Security concerns, funding issues, poor communication and budget reviews were some of the challenges raised.
They recommended that Governor Guyo should engage the Ministry of Interior on matters of security matters and the National Treasury to resolve financial challenges.
In return, the Governor committed to addressing these challenges and assured the forum that his administration would actively engage with relevant National Government ministries to find lasting solutions.
Guyo emphasized his commitment to ensuring the timely implementation of the project for the benefit of the Isiolo County residents.
The Garissa-Isiolo road construction is anticipated to drive economic growth in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALS) Counties of Garissa and Isiolo.
Last year in May, President William Ruto announced that the Lamu-Garissa road project would be extended to Merti in Isiolo and go up to Moyale.
“I heard the constructors wanted the road to be murramed but I told them it needed to be converted to tarmac. I want Isiolo to get good roads to expand its economy," he said.
The delayed completion of a 200km stretch of the Lamu-Garissa-Isiolo Road could be impeding Lamu Port from finding its footing as a regional transhipment hub.
The 530km route is part of the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (Lapsset) corridor project which will eventually link the new commercial port through Garissa to Isiolo and end at Lokichar in Turkana where it will join the Eldoret-Juba highway