Twenty Youth Champions have been incorporated into the Nakuru Town West Community Security Committees, and a significant number have also been added to the Nakuru Town East Committees following MIDRIFT HURINET Peace and Security interventions.
Their active involvement has brought a new wave of optimism and hope for the Community's security.
The number increased in both sub-counties after the Pilot Phase of the Youth-led Engagement for Peace and Security.
MIDRIFT HURINET recently facilitated dialogue sessions aimed at Enhancing Youth and Women's Involvement in Community Policing and Nyumba Kumi and Increasing Whistleblowing and Reporting of Criminal Activities in Nakuru East and Nakuru Town West.
In Nakuru Town West, the Youth Champions who have joined the Community Security Committees are both members and advocates for change. They have encouraged their peers to join the Committees, showing they can address Youth concerns amicably and inspire others to do the same.
As presented by Collins Odhiambo, one of the Youth Champions from Kaptembwa Ward, benefits include; enhancing grassroots youth leadership
fostering community safety strengthening the cooperation among different community members reduces youth involvement in crime and violence improves awareness of Peace & security and vigilance between community members.
His remarks were, however, objected to by two participants who narrated how their relations with the Police have not been something to write home about.
One said, "I was experiencing Gender-Based Violence in my relationship, and I tried seeking help from mutual friends and family members but wasn't successful.
I decided to report the matter to the Police Station as a last resort.
The reception could have been better. The officer at the OB Desk laughed at what I told him and called other officers, who continued with the rebuke and laughter.
I was disappointed and contemplated committing suicide.
Luckily, on my way out of the Station, I met a community member who, upon enquiring about my situation, was able to assist.
It has taken me time to trust the Police; up to now, I don't fully trust them."
A fellow participant added, "Polisi
ni Adui, mimi nikiwaona nikutoroka tu. Wanakushika wanakuambia twende station
utajua ni kwa nini umeshikwa. Ukifika huko unapigwa na wanasema wewe ni
confirm.”
The Community Policing Chairperson in Nakuru West emphasized the outcome of intergenerational dialogues facilitated by MIDRIFT HURINET, which has led to a mindset shift among the Youth.
He said they no longer view the whole service or the Community as being against them and encouraged the Youth to be the change that the Society needs.
While the Kenyan Constitution does not explicitly mention community policing, the legal framework, including the National Police Service Act, policies, and government initiatives, protects and supports the practice.
These structures ensure that community policing is integral to the Country's approach to enhancing public safety and security.
The chairperson listed the Kenyan Constitution (2010), National Police Service Act (2011), and Community Policing Policy (2014) as the legal frameworks empowering the Community Policing Structure in the Country.
He further informed the Youth about the Community Policing Committee's composition, structure, and term limits and how they can leverage anonymous reporting platforms such as 911,112,1551 for EACC, 1559 for IPOA, and 0800722203 for the DCI.
One of the Youth Champions under the Community Policing Committee said the Mauki area is no longer a danger zone, as previously witnessed.
The Youth champions aim to utilize arts and sports to engage more youths in the area.
They have also agreed to establish a network of youth groups from Kaptembwa & London Wards (including Black Coffee Movement, CBX Navigators, Ignite CBO, and Keep Kenya Green) to spread awareness about the importance of Peace and Security in their communities.
The National Government Administrative Officers - NGAOS representatives committed to maintaining an open-door policy, which has decreased the sale and consumption of illicit liquor. They also expressed their support for including youths in Nyumba Kumi Committees.
The stakeholders requested further engagement and forums to reach more youths and follow up on the commitments made.
Unfortunately, among the challenges uniting the two sub-counties is the sale and consumption of illicit alcohol.
The Youth Champions decried the lackluster approach of the Police and National Government Administrative officers in containing the vice, which had affected many productive young people.
Business individuals in the trade were not dealt with like some found in the informal settlements, leading to suspicion of collusion with Government officials.
Arbitrary Arrests of Youth and bhang placed on them as "exhibit" was also termed as a notorious tendency being advanced by the Police.
The Youth Champions were invited to grace an award ceremony organized by the Nakuru County Community Policing and network with other stakeholders in the security sector as an advocacy tool for Article 49 of the Kenya Constitution (2010).
Article 49 of the Kenyan Constitution provides comprehensive protections for arrested individuals, ensuring their rights are respected and treated fairly within the justice system.
These protections are fundamental to the rule of law and help maintain the integrity of the legal process.
They will also be interviewed on one of the local radio stations and will inform their peers about Youth-Led Engagement for Peace and Security.
They agreed to attend Community Policing Meetings, Chief Baraza, and Nyumba Kumi's meetings in their communities to enhance collaborations, share the information they learned with their peers, and continuously advocate for human dignity concerning Police Officers' operations.
By
Jacob Karani