Kwale Peace Committee, in collaboration with the Children Empowerment and Development (CHED) Community-Based Organisation, has rolled out a four-month talent development initiative dubbed the Broad-Based Talent Initiative (BBTI) in effort to curb rising youth crime and insecurity in the region.
The program, which aims to nurture skills and provide meaningful engagement, specifically targets youth aged 13 to 24 years and young mothers within maskanis (informal street gathering spots), where crime and drug-related activities have been rampant.
The initiative is supported by We-World and co-funded by the European Union under the Kujenga Amani Project, which seeks to promote security and stability in vulnerable communities.
According to CHED officer Eid Bakuli, the program will be rolled out in Ngombeni, one of Kwale County’s most affected areas when it comes to insecurity.
Young people in the region have been lured into juvenile gangs, drug abuse, and other criminal activities, making it difficult for the community to thrive in peace.
The area has also been grappling with cases of youth radicalization and gang activities.
“Ngombeni has been a hotspot for crime, with many youth falling into dangerous paths due to a lack of proper mentorship and opportunities,” said Bakuli.
He said the BBTI program will assist youth to identify and nurture talents so they can build better futures for themselves and their communities.
Bakuli said the project will focus on various areas of creative arts, music, sports, and entrepreneurship, giving young people an opportunity to explore their potential and earn a living.
He said through mentorship sessions, skill-building workshops, and community activities, the program aims to steer youth away from crime while fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
“Most of these young people turn to crime because they feel neglected. When we show them that their talents matter and can be a source of income, they will be less likely to engage in illegal activities,” he said.
He said they will be engaging local leaders, parents, and security officials to create a long-term solution to the rising crime rates by empowering and linking youth to various opportunities.
County Peaca and Security Committee Chairperson Mwanakombo Jarumani said that the initiative aligns with the county’s broader efforts to promote peace and stability by tackling unemployment, which is a key driver of crime among young people.
According to her, providing alternative opportunities for the youth can significantly reduce their vulnerability to criminal activities and radicalization.
Jarumani further noted that they will support the program to ensure its successful implementation.
She urged community members to support the initiative and encourage young people to take advantage of the opportunities presented.
“This is a collaborative effort, and we need everyone on board to make it work. When young people are engaged in productive activities, our communities become safer and more prosperous,” she said.
She noted that sustainable change can only be achieved when the public and private sectors work together to create a conducive environment for youth employment and entrepreneurship.
However, Jarumani said, security has largely improved in Ng’ombeni and Matuga sub-county at large.
She attributed the improvement to sustained efforts by security agencies, local leaders, and community members in promoting peace and addressing crime-related challenges.
Jarumani said that proactive measures, including regular security patrols, community policing initiatives, and awareness campaigns, have played a significant role in enhancing safety in the area.
She further commended the youth for embracing positive change and participating in development programs instead of engaging in criminal activities.
According to her, continued collaboration between the government and the community will ensure that the gains made in security are sustained.
“The youth have shown great commitment to turning their lives around, and we must continue supporting them through skill development programs and job creation initiatives,” she said.
Jarumani also urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting any suspicious activities.
