Mombasa businessman-cum-politician Suleiman Shahbal has promised to tackle the scourge of youth unemployement head on if given the mandate to govern the county.

Shahbal regretted that most youths from Mombasa have been forced to engage themselves in criminal activities and drug abuse due to unemployement.

Speaking at Siloam Church Bamburi while celebarting their 16th anniversary, Shahbal noted the responsbility of ensuring that there are enough jobs for the youths lies with the leaders.

"I know very well that the major challenge facing us right now is the issue of unemployment. Most parents have unemployed youths in their homes and it's their wish that they get jobs." said Shahbal.

Adding "The first responsibility of a leader is to ensure that there are enough jobs for the youths. Issuing handouts is not a solution. it is very sad that our youths have now been forced to turn to crime and drug abuse."

Meanwhile, Shahbal has promised to sponspor Mombasa based football club Congo Boys FC which features in the National Division One League.

Speaking on Sunday after meeting Congo Boys FC players before their match with Gor Mahia FC, Shahbal awarded them Sh100, 000.

“Give me one month from now and I will deliver the team some tracksuits and jerseys." said Shahbal

Adding "I believe in sports because it is through these talents that we can prevent our youth from getting into crime”

Shahbal also promised to form a county team as a way of also creating opportunities to the youths.

"Our youth need jobs, if we create these opportunities then they will not have time for drugs and crime,” he said.