Pokot South residents yesterday gave a company two weeks to hire the local youth or they will stop the construction of a dam.
“We are demanding that our youth be hired and conditions for employment be clearly stated,” residents’ representative Mark Kewakak said.
The China Jiangxi International Kenya has been awarded a Sh10 billion tender by the national government to construct the Muruny-Siyoi Dam.
The project is to be completed in three years.
Last month, a group of residents held a demonstration to demand jobs and better terms of employment.
Kewakak said the company has hired security guards from other counties and no youth from West Pokot county has been hired.
Resident Benjamin Chepkui said the company promised those employed will get a 12 per cent salary hike, but to no avail.
Lelan MCA Paul Yaraki said the firm should address the workers’ concerns.
Company manager Bournsam Otani refused comment.
