The government will deliberately enroll youths from warring communities in the North Rift into the National Youth Service to address security challenges in the region, Deputy President William Ruto has said.
He said creating opportunities and providing gainful employment was among a raft of measures lined up by government to solve problems facing young people in the country.
“We want to bring the National Youth Service on board to train our young people and provide them with skills that can assist them earn income in the right way,” he said.
He was speaking during a security meeting at his Karen residence that comprised members of parliament, Counties security commanders, security CS Joseph Nkaissery and Inspector General of police Joseph Boinett.
The leaders were from Baringo, Samburu, Turkana, West Pokot and Laikipia Counties.
The Deputy President noted that warriors from specific areas will be targeted in the NYS recruitment exercise.
He said similar programs targeting the youth in different parts of the country will be rolled out soon.
The leaders asked the government to fast track audit of the National Police Reservists (NPR) to remove bad elements especially those engaging in criminal activities.
In response, Mr. Ruto said the government will recruit, train and equip the reservists under the command of the national Police service starting with the most vulnerable areas.
“We want to train them so that we can take charge of what they are doing,” he said.
He stated that the process of identification, recruitment and subsequent deployment will commence in the next one month.
At the same time, the DP emphasized that government had given 60 days for registration of illegal arms in the hands of community members in hotspot areas.
He warned that stern action will be taken against those found possessing firearms illegally after the close of two the month’s period.
The DP said, “We will not take away the guns and disarm the communities but we must register the firearms. That is what we agreed as leaders.”
Baringo Senator Gideon Moi thanked government for the initiative to sensitise communities on peace and security.
He said effort by government was bearing fruit by promoting cohesion amongst communities.
“I want to thank you Deputy President for engaging us from day one. The previous meetings have been successful in pacifying communities and stabilizing the North Rift region,” said the Baringo Senator.
Tiati MP Asmam Kamama expressed satisfaction with the results of the first phase of peace caravan and asked leaders to remain committed to promote cohesion and co-existence amongst communities.
“Since we started this initiative, a general peaceful atmosphere in the North Rift is being witnessed although we still have a lot more to do,” said Kamama.
Senator Naisula Lesuuda noted that as efforts to stamp out insecurity and re-orient the North Rift are being taken, measures to return children to school should be undertaken urgently.
“We should be keen that as we undertake these efforts, education takes- centre stage,” she said.
Baringo governor Benjamin Cheboi told the meeting that phase one of the peace caravan was well received in Baringo and suggested that in order to reinforce gains, the forthcoming caravan should revisit the areas.
“The peace caravan must revisit Tiaty and North Baringo and we must engage local leaders like MCA to own the peace process,” said the Baringo Governor.
His sentiments were shared by his Turkana and West Pokot counterparts Joseph Nanok and Simon Kachapin who said that local leaders should be engaged directly through networks to spearhead the peace efforts.
-standardmedia.co.ke
