By Nuru Salim.
Leaders in Likoni have vowed to step up the fight against insecurity and unemployment, unveiling bold strategies to strengthen law enforcement and empower the youth.
With rising concerns over crime and joblessness, they have pledged to fast-track the construction of new police stations, enhance community policing, and invest in self-employment programs aimed at steering young people away from crime and into sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking during the 2nd Edition Musabaqa Quran competition event at Shelly Beach, Mohammed Salim Nyembwe, the office manager to Likoni MP Mishi Juma Mboko, commended residents for maintaining peace during the holy month of Ramadan.
He acknowledged the role played by law enforcement officers in ensuring reduced crime rates compared to previous months and revealed plans to bolster security further.
According to Nyembwe, plans are underway to construct police booths in Mrima and Approved areas to reinforce security operations. The Mrima booth will serve as backup to Timbwani and Likoni Police Stations, while the Approved booth will offer support to Inuka Police Station.
Additionally, a new police station is set to be constructed in Shonda, with the contractor expected to commence work before the end of the year.
Nyembwe urged the national government to provide more patrol vehicles, citing an inadequate fleet that hampers police response to emergencies.
“The number of patrol vehicles is not proportional to the growing population of Likoni. Most of the cars in use are faulty, which delays response times. Even Probox cars would be sufficient to ensure effective emergency response,” said Nyembwe.
He added that Likoni has enough chief offices, and the only need is to increase the number of Administration Police Units in Likoni.
With Likoni experiencing rapid population growth, leaders have also turned their focus to addressing unemployment, which is a key contributor to crime. Nyembwe emphasized the need for youth to embrace self-employment, pledging support for innovative business ideas that can create at least five jobs.
‘’We have for a long time helped youths in running their self-employment ideas, especially film production and content creation. Our offices are open to youths and residents of Likoni to offer help in funding and promote business ideas.’’ He added.
He highlighted the ongoing Dongo Kundu project as a major employment opportunity, urging young people to seize the opportunity and ensure they are well equipped before the official opening of the project.
Sadiq Ali Tavikala, who is eyeing the Shikaadabu MCA seat in the coming 2027 elections echoed the call for self-reliance among the youth, stressing that crime is not a solution to joblessness. He challenged young people to take advantage of available opportunities, including talent development programs that the sub county has enacted.
“Football has been recognized in Likoni for a long time, but we also have youth talent in music, film, cooking and digital content creation. We need to establish music competitions and platforms to nurture their potential. Social media has transformed people’s lives, and our youth should not be left behind. Let’s give them the resources to create and showcase their talents,” he said.
Tavikala also emphasized the need for structured mentorship programs that connect young people with professionals and business leaders who can guide them toward financial independence.
He said many youths in Likoni lack exposure to the right opportunities, which makes them easy targets for criminal gangs that offer quick but dangerous alternatives.
Sadiq also reiterated Mohammed Nyembwe’s statement on Dongo Kundu. He urged the youths to prepare themselves with skills as a lot of projects are on their way.
‘’Those with skills like carpentry, masonry and even entrepreneurship must ensure they are certified and whoever doesn’t have the skills should have one certified. When Dongo Kundu officially begins operating, youths in Likoni will be given the first priority to secure jobs. Companies are ready to invest in construction of houses and business along the highway and we must seize this opportunity.’’ He said.
“Unemployment is not just about lacking a job, it’s about lacking direction. We must invest in mentorship and skills training. If we train our young people in carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and digital marketing, they will be self-reliant. We will work with the private sector to ensure those who complete training are absorbed into different industries,” he added.
Tavikala further proposed the establishment of a Youth Enterprise Hub in Likoni, where young entrepreneurs can access funding, training, and mentorship under one roof. He urged the national and county governments to invest in such a facility, noting that job creation must be accompanied by sustainable support systems.
He also praised initiatives such as the Musabaqa Quran competitions, noting that religious education plays a critical role in shaping discipline and reducing crime among young people. He pledged continued support for such programs to promote spiritual growth and social cohesion in Likoni.
Sadiq Tavikala further assured residents of Shikaadabu that, if elected in 2027, he would prioritize their needs without wasting time. He promised to engage the community in discussions to identify pressing concerns and formulate sustainable interventions rather than just highlighting his manifestos.
He added that part of his plan is to introduce a community-driven policing model where locals actively work with law enforcement to combat crime. By organizing neighborhood security groups and facilitating regular engagement between police officers and residents, he believes crime rates can be significantly reduced.
As Likoni continues to grow, leaders emphasize the need for collective responsibility from both national and county governments to ensure that Likoni is secured.
