Student leaders, deans of students, and campus chief security officers may soon be members of the county and sub-county security and intelligence committees as the government seeks to facilitatestudent participation in national security structures.
According to Dr. Raymond Omollo, the Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, the decision will help the students’ ideas and concerns to be heard and acknowledged in the shortest possible time, at the same time, create opportunities for youth engagement in peace and security which will be of great benefit to the country.
During the Jukwaa La Wasomi series at the University of Nairobi, Dr. Omollo mentioned that awareness creation among students about their role in peacebuilding and national cohesion can only be accomplished through formal security discussions.
Dr. Omollo said, “We must deliberately bring students closer to the country’s security architecture, not only to listen to their concerns but also to empower them to play a constructive role in shaping peaceful communities.”
He also pointed out the need for immediate, action-oriented dialogues on the issues of gender-based violence, drug and substance abuse, and other problems that have not only contributed to the rise of the youth but have also affected students in higher education institutions.
The idea is among the government’s comprehensive plans to embrace security systems that are more responsive to the youths’ social issues.
