By R, KNA
Kisumu County Commissioner (CC) Benson Leparmorijo has urged the local youth to desist from all acts of lawlessness and instead channel their energies into meaningful development initiatives.
Leparmorijo made the appeal during the Kisumu County Youth Innovation and Creativity Model Day, organized by Nyalenda Young Turks Community Based Organization at the Youth Empowerment Centre in Kasagam police station.
He cautioned the more than 300 young participants from Kisumu’s eight sub-counties that involvement in criminal activities not only put them in conflict with the law, but also ruins their future.
At the same time, the CC issued a stern warning to criminal gangs that have been terrorizing residents in Kisumu, vowing firm action against lawbreakers.\
“We are concerned about the rising number of illicit gangs spreading fear in parts of the county, many of them composed of young people,” he said.
Leparmorijo singled out the Katalang gang, accused of violent attacks and maiming residents during night gatherings in Muhoroni and Nyakach sub-counties.
He revealed that regional security chiefs had convened a high-level meeting in Kisumu to address the surge in insecurity, resolving to step up surveillance across the county.
The CC further noted a worrying trend of increased crime during school holidays, with many offenders being young people.
He cited a recent case in which two college students were killed in a botched robbery, urging youth to resist all forms of criminalities.
He encouraged the young generation to pursue marketable courses at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to enhance their employability and to explore various opportunities such as the Climate Worx Program.
“As youth, you should focus on education, sharpen your skills, and be patient. With proper training, you will be better placed to seize available employment opportunities,” he advised.
Kisumu County Executive Committee Member for Youth Affairs, Sports and Culture, Beatrice Odongo, echoed similar sentiments, urging young people to make use of available government programs.
She noted with concern that in the first phase of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project application, Kisumu was allocated 18,000 slots, but only 600 youths representing 1.6 percent applied for the grants.
“During the NYOTA second phase application window, we intensified mobilization, and we are hopeful that more young people applied. We are optimistic that many from this region will qualify when results are released,” she said.
Odongo also encouraged youth to tap into various empowerment funds including the Youth Enterprise Fund, Uwezo Fund and Hustler Fund to boost personal growth and entrepreneurship.