Uasin Gishu County Security Team held a forum with stakeholders from various institutions of higher learning, to induct them on matters of peace and security for the common good of the society.
The Multiagency Team chaired by the Uasin Gishu County Commissioner (CC), Dr Eddyson Nyale, held the sitting under the banner ‘Jukwaa La Wasomi’ to sensitize the scholars on the best practices in maintaining a peaceful environment in the County.
Some of the institutions represented at the forum included Moi University, Eldoret Polytechnic, Rift Valley Technical Training Institute (RVTTI), University of Eldoret, AIRADS, ETTI, who offered a general insight on the pertinent issues on security at their institutions.
Speaking during the forum held at the County Multipurpose Hall, Eldoret, Dr Nyale said the platform just like the nationwide ‘Jukwaa la Usalama,’ the forum offer opportunity for stakeholders’ input on how to improve on service delivery in regards to security in the communities.
He noted that the Jukwaa La Wasomi is informed by UN Security Council Resolution 2250, adopted on 9th December 2015, which is a landmark resolution on Youth, Peace and Security (YPS), that recognizes young people’s positive and critical role in maintaining international peace and security.
“It was thought wise that Kenya as a country that it engages the youth through Jukwaa La Wasomi in line with peace and security convention for youth, a landmark resolution that formally recognizes the important role of our young people in building peace and promoting security,” Noted the County Commissioner.
He added that the UN resolution calls upon Member States, societies and international organizations, to empower and involve youth as partners in peace building conflict prevention and decision making.
Dr Nyale affirmed the government’s commitment, to ensure youth participation at all levels of decision-making related to peace processes, protection, prevention of violence, promote partnerships and addresses disengagement and reintegration of youth affected by conflict.
The resolution urges Member States to create policies that support youth’s socio-economic development and education for peace, and to develop mechanisms for meaningful youth engagement in peacebuilding.
“The government has created a platform for you to amplify your voices in regard to governance, development without forgetting peace and security in our institutions, residential areas and communities,” he said.
Noting that learning institutions face a number of challenges as a society, the County Commissioner called on all the stakeholders and head of institutions to sit down, dig-deep on the root cause of these challenges and how best they can address these challenges like, radicalization, mass demonstrations and other issues that affect the studies.
“In our context and environment, especially in the learning institutions, we have cases of violence that happen such as GBV, societal violence within institutions. Students fight, stab each other to the extent of losing life. This resolution calls for protection of youth against such violence,” explained Dr. Nyale.
The CC further encouraged youth to take active roles in community initiatives in terms of peace dialogue, volunteerism, civic leadership, noting that it will help in changing the perception of youth and young people from being seen merely as perpetrators of violence, but being central agents of peace and conflict prevention.
Uasin Gishu County Executive for Trade and Industrialization, Eng. Martha Cheruto, who spoke on behalf of the Governor, lauded the forum on peace and security dialogue for the youth.
“This gathering comes at a very important moment when the voices of the young people must be placed at the center of peace building, leadership, and development. We appreciate the initiative of bringing together scholars, students, and leaders to reflect on how we can build a safer, more cohesive, and a more prosperous country,” she noted.
She noted that peace is not just the absence of conflict. It is the presence of justice, fairness, and opportunity. It is what allows students to learn without fear and the children to operate freely. It allows the farmer to cultivate confidently and to arrive safely. It allows us to visit our beautiful sites without fear. When peace cries, education blossoms.
Additionally, a peaceful environment enables business growth, infrastructure expansion, and communities to flourish.
“When peace is threatened, everything else, health, learning, trade, and social order begins to crumble. That is why this conversation is so important because peace is not only a model of value, it is an economic driver and the invisible currency that powers our country’s growth,” added Eng. Cheruto.
Stakeholders from various higher learning institutions collectively emphasized the importance of peace and security for education and economic growth, pledging to promote peace in their institutions and communities.
Edwin Lagat, Moi University Secretary General, highlighted insecurity due to lack of streetlights on the Chebarus–Cheboiywa road, which has led to nighttime attacks.
He complained that no action has been taken despite multiple requests since the year began as he urged immediate installation of streetlights and collaboration with landlords to improve lighting near student areas.
Similar security concerns were echoed across several institutions, including Moi University, RVTTI, Ziwa TTI and University of Eldoret; particularly around dark, unsafe areas and the Sosiani River, which has been flagged as insecure for over 20 years.
Cleopas Bartinga discussed Alternative Justice Systems and wider societal issues, extending beyond security, urging deeper collaboration among stakeholders.
Abigail Chelagat from Moiben Technical Training Institute, raised issues of overcrowding and inadequate resources due to population growth, and requested the release of County land for expansion.
She also sought clarification on the TVET Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council (CDACC) curriculum and related implementation details.
Kelvin Kibet from Koshin TTI expressed his concern over drug abuse near his Institution. He alleged collusion between administrators and drug dealers.
He also criticized unequal allocation of streetlights, noting they were directed toward a Member of Parliament’s residence rather than benefiting the public.
Adeli Akwele from KMTC raised alarm over rampant drug abuse among students, describing it as a national crisis harming youth potential. She highlighted how cheap drugs going at Sh 50 to Sh 70 are easily accessible in local parks and called for law enforcement and county intervention.
She advocated for affordable in-campus housing to reduce students’ exposure to drugs, crime, and gender-based violence, noting that health trainees must remain healthy themselves to serve effectively.
by Ekuwam Sylvester and Godfrey Kipkulei
