Religious leaders from six coastal counties in collaboration with Kenya Ports Authority are set to embark on a sensitisation campaign to address unemployment among the youth and inclusion of the community in development.
Sheikh Abu Qatada said the discussion is aimed at seeking ways the community can work closely with the government to get a fair distribution of job opportunities to the youth in the region.
He spoke at a Mombasa hotel on Wednesday.
“We commend KPA for joining hands with religious leaders in the quest for enhancing community development, especially to the people at the grassroots level.
"This is through awareness creation on various resourceful ways the community can benefit from human resources and other job opportunities including government tenders,” Sheikh Qatada said.
He urged the community to focus on their constitutional rights and not be left out of benefiting from various government job opportunities.
Bishop Paul Mwaura said the forum is a platform to encourage community leaders to work together for the betterment of their people.
He is a board member of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, this meeting marks our first step towards networking, learning and benefiting each other as community leaders to improve the lives of our people,” Bishop Mwaura said.
The government is encouraged to involve community leaders in the utilisation of local resources to benefit the host communities.
“Lack of employment is a major concern in the coast region, this forum is geared towards capitalising our unity, opportunities and bringing together resources for a fair share for our youths in job opportunities within the six coastal counties,” Mabrouk, a community leader said.
He said the forum aims at getting a better understanding of constitutional laws regarding human resources including raw materials sourced within the various areas.
The information will be used to educate the community on ways to explore job opportunities to address unemployment.
“There’s a need for community leaders to take up the responsibility of direct participation in matters concerning their people rather than leaving it to political leaders.
"This will ensure inclusion in decision-making and implementation of positive changes within our communities,” Mabrouk said.
The religious leaders will engage other government agencies to enhance development and address teething challenges facing various projects.
