Security apparatus in collaboration with the Uzalendo Africa Initiative organization have launched a campaign against mushrooming criminal gangs in Mombasa.
The campaign targets to protect youth from the vulnerability of social vices among them, criminal activities from the insecurity-prone areas of Kisauni, Nyali and Likoni sub-counties in Mombasa.
Speaking on the sidelines of the launch of the youth leading peace and development beyond elections report, Mombasa assistant county commissioner Irene Munyoki banked on meaningful youth engagements to end the vice.
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Mombasa and its environs have for decades grappled with the emergence of juvenile criminal gangs perpetrated by youth between 15-24 years, taking away the past glory as the proffered tourism destination.
Munyoki said the government has outlined key areas of youth empowerment, asking the youth to take advantage of Hustler Funds as well as sponsorship in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and other institutions of skills learning.
Uzalendo Africa developed an 18-month “Kijana Jihusishe’ program since the end of the general elections last year, and the findings were launched yesterday.
“The report highlights the efforts done by key players, it recommends the sustainability plan among them the establishment of community policing, and security committees to steer the security affairs in all Mombasa sub-counties," the report noted.
With the newly launched report highlighting key areas of focus, Uzalendo Africa initiative executive director Anne Rose said empowerment of youth and building collective synergies will yield fruits.
The report targets the youth in empowerment projects, participation in policy-making processes as well as taking the lead part in the mediation of peace among the community areas.
“The elections are over, we are looking at how we can continue to foster peace, ensure communities sustain their peace as well as ensure youth get something to do to cushion them from social vices, “said Rose.
The report has recommended establishing 15 peace committees,24 peace monitors, and 24 facilitators to ensure sustainability among the communities in all the Mombasa sub-counties.
“We are looking for partners to extend the programs to Mvita Likoni. The move is meant to ensure that youth are empowered and do not engage in criminal activities, “said Rose.
About 450,000 communities indirectly, and 3499 families have been involved in the campaign directly in Mombasa. Among the youth, the official listed joblessness as the leading contributor to crime.
