Nyando: The Secretary, Peace Building and Conflict Management Directorate, Josephine Onunga, has rallied upon security agencies and local residents to work closely in promoting and safeguarding peace, security, and stability in Nyando Sub-county in Kisumu. Speaking during a stakeholder’s consultative forum on peace at the Ahero Social Hall on Friday, Onunga stressed that security is a shared responsibility, calling on residents and stakeholders to collaborate in strengthening social cohesion and promoting peaceful coexistence within the community.
According to Kenya News Agency, Onunga emphasized the importance of homegrown solutions to the security challenges facing communities, encouraging stakeholders to share ideas and contribute towards creating a safer environment for everyone. The meeting, organized by the National Steering Committee on Peacebuilding and Conflict Management, included representatives from local administration, community peace committees, human rights defenders, youth and women groups, religious leaders, the business community, persons with disabilities, and community policing units.
Onunga challenged participants to take proactive roles in identifying practical solutions to security challenges in areas like Ahero and Awasi. The peace forum was convened following a surge in insecurity incidents in Ahero Town and surrounding areas in March 2026, which resulted in violent confrontations leading to the deaths of five suspected gang members and a boda boda rider.
Onunga highlighted that young people, constituting up to 70 percent of Kenya’s population, are crucial to the country’s development but face unemployment challenges, making them vulnerable to exploitation. She expressed concerns about the risks posed during campaign periods when youths are lured by politicians into serving as security agents without proper training.
To address youth unemployment, Onunga noted that both County and national governments have initiated programs such as the Affordable Housing Program (AHP) and NYOTA projects. These initiatives have created employment opportunities for skilled young people, helping to curb crime and substance abuse. Skilled youths engaged at Affordable Housing Project sites earn sustainable livelihoods while contributing to reducing crime rates.
Deputy County Commissioner Elijah Maranga urged residents to support security agencies by providing timely information to aid in the prosecution of offenders. Maranga highlighted rising cases of gender-based violence, especially in rural areas, where lack of evidence and reluctance of victims and witnesses to cooperate impede justice. To combat these issues, the administrative unit leverages grassroots structures to sensitize residents on peaceful coexistence and community participation in security maintenance, significantly reducing crime and strengthening social cohesion.
