Residents of Mombasa have welcomed the move by the government to employ over 100,000 youths in the country through the National Hygiene Program.

The programme which was announced by President Uhuru Kenyatta last month also aimed at cushioning the youths against the effects of COVID-19 is to be rolled out in two phases. The first phase which will employ some 26, 148 workers has already been rolled out, it commenced on April 29, the second phase is expected to grow the number to over 100,000 young people.

''This is a very good move by the government that needs to be welcomed, our youth are really suffering due to this pandemic and this will programme will go along way in helping them during this tough times'' Said Ann Otum, a community leader in Tudor.

She added ''We have some of our daughters who used to work in the salons some are even single mothers and they had closed there places of workf due to the pandemic but this programme will at leats give them hope''.

On her another resident, Peris Mboya called on the youth ti come out in large numbers and take advantage of the programme.

''I call upon our youth to come out and grab this opportunity, it is a good thing and it will help during this tough time'' she said 

Adding '' Most of our youth in Mombasa work in the hotels which have now been closed, they had nowhere to go to so this programme will at least wipe their tears''