Youth join hands to fight insecurity, ethnic clashes

A group of youth in Garissa County has formed an organisation to fight insecurity, drug and substance abuse as well as inter-clan conflicts.

According to the youth, the aim of Garissa Youth Empowerment Organisation is to engage teenagers in income generating activities and divert their attention from social ills.

TERROR GROUPS

The group, whose offices were recently inaugurated by Garissa Woman Rep Anab Gure and Deputy Governor Abdi Dagane, said unemployment among youth has made them to engage in criminal activities such as joining terror groups.

"We have also created departments within the organisation. For instance, one department will look into problems facing the education sector, and how to address them," said Mr Farhan Ali, the organisation’s board director.

He said the youth from different backgrounds will also help end inter-clan conflicts since they will work together despite their clan differences. He said the move will help them to embrace other ethnic groups.

The youth noted that they will prevent their peers from joining extremism groups by engaging them in various activities such as tree planting, career guidance in schools, girl child education, among others.

DRUG ABUSE

"A part from going to schools to provide career guidance, we will also sensitise the learners on drug and substance abuse," added Mr Ali.

The official said they will also create awareness on gender equality and push both the county and national governments to give youth jobs.

He noted that members of the organisation contribute Sh500 per month besides seeking assistance from government agencies and NGOs.

Mr Ali asked well-wishers to support their initiatives, saying they are aimed at improving youth’s lives.