DNK International By Kennedy Epalat,Malaba.
Local artisans in Teso North, Busia County have challenged political leaders to stop overlooking qualified professionals in the constituency and instead award them construction tenders to create jobs for the youth.
The artisans, who were among mourners at the burial of the late Jeremiah Ochom Enapat,51, said they have acquired the necessary technical skills and qualifications to undertake government-funded construction projects but continue to lose opportunities to contractors from outside the constituency.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Eight Core Technicians Group, chairman Eng. Moses Omonya, a structural engineer, said more than 50 members of the group have trained in various technical fields and are capable of executing construction works to the required standards.
Omonya accused the local political leadership of failing to recognize the contribution of skilled artisans, saying it was unfair to import contractors for projects that could be successfully handled by qualified professionals from within the constituency.
He said the government continues to invest heavily in technical and vocational education to equip young people with practical skills, but the purpose of such training would be defeated if local professionals were denied opportunities to put their skills into practice.
“Leaders, please remember the youths, most of whom have trained in relevant fields. If we could access construction tenders, they would benefit from the many job opportunities we offer. This will reduce criminal activities, which are usually associated with the unemployed youth. It will also improve their socio-economic status,” Omonya said.
The chairman called on political leaders to change their attitude towards technical professionals and give qualified local contractors a fair chance whenever construction projects are advertised.
He said awarding tenders to local professionals would create employment opportunities for young people, improve household incomes and stimulate economic activity within the constituency.
The artisans also urged leaders to establish transparent mechanisms that would enable qualified local contractors and technicians to compete fairly for government projects instead of relying predominantly on firms from outside the area.
They said empowering local professionals would go a long way towards addressing youth unemployment and reducing social problems associated with lack of economic opportunities.
[DNK-International@August 13,2026]
