A section of leaders from Lamu County have called on the government to make sure that youths from the county are given priority when it comes to employement at the Lamu port.

The leaders mainly county assembly members (MCAs) argue that it will  only be fair if the youths from the area benefit directly from the project.

"It's our resources that have been used in this project including land  so it will only be fair if we als benefit from it" said nominated MCA Amina Kale.

On his part Faza MCA Fahad Dini called on the government to stick to their promise of providing jobs to 1,000 youths from the county arguing that the number of those who have so far been employed have not reached 1,000.

"When the President comes here to officially open the port let him also flag off the jobs and empowerment for our youths. We also want the managing director (MD) of this port to be from Lamu" said Kiunga MCA Abdallah Babadi.

Early this month, President Kenyatta visited the port and announced that the first berth of the new Lamu Port will be opened in October.

The President who expressed satisfaction with the progress of the ongoing construction works at the seaport said the mega project would create the much-needed jobs for Kenyan youth.

"Since I was here last year, it is true you have worked hard. Very soon, next month, we will be here to open the first berth which I am told you will have completed," said president Kenyatta.

Adding ""We will launch by seeing a ship dock here to offload cargo. Offloading of cargo will be the beginning of jobs not just for you alone but also for the youth of Lamu and the entire Kenya".