Gatundu North Sub-County residents who neighbor Kariminu II Dam took to the streets protesting over being left out by the dam constructor in casual jobs.
The residents of Gituamba, mostly of whom are drivers, said despite attending countless interviews at the company, they are yet to be hired.
They marched to the International Holding Corporation (AVIC) to air their grievances, saying despite the assurances by Water Cabinet Secretary (CS), Simon Chelugui, they have been ignored.
Led by Karanja Wabuto, the residents, said they did interviews only to learn later that the jobs were given out to non-residents.
“We did interviews of ferrying some residue from the site for a whole day and later told they will be called later. After a few days, we learnt that some non-locals had been given the job,” he said.
John Kariuki, said they even had to look for driving licenses, and other certificates for the interview, only to be ignored latter.
They called on the government to honor its promise of ensuring locals get 70 per cent of job slots.
During a site visit recently, Chelugui urged the contractor to employ locals to do casual work.
The Sh.4billion dam is funded by the government and China Exim Bank and is being implemented through a joint venture between International Holding Corporation (AVIC) and Municipal Engineering Design Institute.
It stands on a 600-acre plot, upon completion, it will produce 70 million cubic meters of water per day.
Eighty percent of the water will be supplied to Thika, Juja, and Ruiru, while the remaining will be channeled to Nairobi County.
By Muoki Charles
