Shimba Hills residents have urged the government to include them in future recruitment drives of Kenya Defence Force, the National Police Service and other security agencies.
In the recent KDF recruitment, Shimba Hills, which was gazetted as a subcounty last year, was left out of the recruitment table.
Residents had to travel all the way to Kwale Baraza Park in Matuga for recruitment. Forty-five youths were recruited across the county.
Shimba Hills, which has a population of more than 80,000 people, was hived off from the Matuga subcounty. Two divisions-Kubo and Mkongani-were merged to form the new administrative unit.
Led by Hassan Swaleh, residents said next time the government should consider having the recruitment in their respective subcounties to save them the burden of travelling long distances.
Swaleh said the new administrative unit should bring services closer to common citizens as well as job opportunities.
“It is very unfair that our children had to travel to Matuga for recruitment,” he said.
Swaleh said due to economic constraints, most youth were unable to go for recruitment to try their luck and those who managed to go had to take loans from colleagues, hoping that they would be successful.
He said the recruitment exercise in Matuga is always congested since many people compete for police and KDF job slots.
"The population is very big which means there is a small chance for us to get the jobs," he said.
Cherinio Momanyi said Shimba Hills residents should not be limited to administrative services but also be exposed to other opportunities.
He said the recruitment will provide opportunities for their educated but jobless children to get employment.
Momanyi said having recruitment drives far away from home is killing their children's morale and joblessness might drive them to criminal activities, and drugs and substance abuse.
Resident Stella Mwachidudu said President William Ruto should ensure his bottom-up agenda is well implemented.
Area assistant county commissioner Mohammed Akida said their grievances have been heard and forwarded to the relevant authorities for action.
"There is no need to worry. We filed your complaints and hopefully they will be addressed,” he said.
Akida said the government has not sidelined anyone and the President is doing everything to ensure all Kenyans are fairly served, and services improved as well as their lives.
