Uhuru urges resettlement of Grogan mechanics

President Uhuru Kenyatta has asked Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero to find an alternative site for the hundreds of young mechanics who were evicted from their work place in Grogan area, on Kirinyaga Road, next to the Globe Cinema roundabout. Read (Mechanics riot after Grogan plot fenced off)

Speaking at the inauguration of Archbishop Amos Mathenge of the Africa Independence Pentecostal Church of Africa, President Kenyatta said the youth needed a place to make a living, and therefore, they ought to be given a place to do their job.

President Kenyatta, who is barely 100 days in office, and whose major campaign promise was to get jobs for the youth, said his priority was to ensure that the youth with work do not go back to alcohol and drug abuse.

“We need to give them an alternative site. We will get you a place. Let the people who are working continue with their work. Do not destabilise them,” said Mr Kenyatta at the ceremony held at the Moi International Sports Centre, in Kasarani, Nairobi.

The Grogan mechanics have been squatting on the land for over two decades, and they were finally kicked out by the new owner, the Jamia Mosque Committee.

They were evicted last week as police moved in to effect an order of the court. The mechanics have reportedly been allocated an alternative 1.25-acre piece of land and had been asked to move there.

It is not clear if this is the land that Mr Kenyatta wanted Mr Kidero to use to ensure that the mechanics continue to do their job.

Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko Mbuvi had asked the president to restructure the Youth Enterprise Development Fund and open it up for the youth groups formed in churches.

Mr Mbuvi said the high youth unemployment was a problem in the capital city, because, it had spawned a high crime rates.

He had also asked President Kenyatta to ensure the youth who had been kicked out of another piece of land in Buruburu are also given alternative place to do their job.

“That money from the Youth Fund is not for you to use to drink alcohol and smoke bhang. You have to use it to improve your lives,” said Mr Mbuvi.

The Nairobi senator also asked the governors to stop attacking President Kenyatta for his controversial signing of the Division of Revenue Bill, “because it is too early to begin criticising Mr Kenyatta”.

“That was his first Bill, let’s look at how it goes. If it turns out badly in a year or so, then we can correct him. But for now, let’s work with him and build this country,” said Mr Mbuvi, a key supporter of Mr Kenyatta.

Mr Kidero (Nairobi), Mr Nderitu Gachagua (Nyeri), and Mr William Kabogo (Kiambu), were the governors at the venue, and they promised to work together with Mr Kenyatta and his government.

“This is the year for us to work. Many Kenyans are struggling, and we have to work hard to reduce their suffering, so that, they too become rich like the (Nairobi Senator) Mike Sonko,” said Mr Kabogo.