Yei Council Moves to Boost Local Youth Employment

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – The Yei River County Legislative Council has announced plans to introduce local by-laws aimed at increasing employment opportunities for local youth in non-governmental organizations and private sector institutions operating in the county.

Speaking to Access Radio on Wednesday, Speaker Claudio Mila said the council will hold consultative meetings with officials from the County Labour Department to develop laws that encourage organisations to prioritise qualified local professionals for available jobs.

The move follows recent calls by county authorities urging NGOs and development partners to provide more employment opportunities to skilled residents. Earlier this year, Yei River County Youth Association Chairperson Gaga Frank raised concerns that many qualified young people in the area remain unemployed while some managerial and technical positions are filled by individuals from outside the county.

Speaker Mila acknowledged the concerns, saying many local graduates with diplomas and degrees have been overlooked despite having the qualifications required for various positions.

“As a county government, we have identified challenges within some NGOs and private sector institutions. There are positions that can be handled by qualified local people in Yei, but employers continue to recruit from outside while neglecting local youth. This situation has contributed to rising unemployment and increased crime among young people, and we want it addressed through legislation,” Mila stated.

County officials and youth leaders say prioritising local employment would not only reduce unemployment but also empower young professionals and contribute to the socio-economic development of Yei River County.