At least 1,000 youths in Kwale are set to benefit from an anti-radicalisation and counter-extremism programme by Haki Africa.
Fransic
Auma, the
organisation's rapid response officer, noted many local youths have joined terror groups and gangs.
Auma further noted the need to mobilise and empower them so they are not misused by politicians
."Youth, especially addicts, are mostly used by selfish politicians whenever there are protests. Empowering them give them a voice," he said.
He addressed a peace campaign for youths, that Haki Africa organised on Monday.
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At the meeting, the youths discussed their challenges and possible solutions.
Cases of insecurity in the county and how to overcome them took centre stage.
Auma said
livelihood support projects and the financing of youth groups for
small-scale
businesses will follow.
"Under the initiative, we will provide youths with links to markets and micro-finance institutions," he added.
The officer reported that in Kwale county, they met young people from Kombani and Ukunda.
"This project is also being implemented in other coastal counties. We have met 1.000 youths in Mombasa," he said.
"The project targets youths prone to gang life and extremism due to joblessness," he added.
Professor Hassan Mwakimako of Pwani University, who is a partner in the project, said Kwale needs the empowerment programme as it will contruibute to peace. He noted the county has recorded many cases of the radicalisation of youths.
"We have so many al Shabaab returnees in Kwale. As role models, we have to do something [to help them]."
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