Rachuonyo: The Rachuonyo Deputy County Commissioner, Denis Kieti, has committed to escalating security patrols in areas frequently occupied by students from Rachuonyo Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC). This decision comes in response to a marked increase in criminal activities, including theft, robbery, and assaults targeting students.
According to Kenya News Agency, numerous students have voiced concerns over persistent thefts of personal belongings such as phones, gas cylinders, and clothing from their rented accommodations. Furthermore, some students have reported being attacked and robbed of their shopping while returning home, particularly around 7:00 PM. Identified hotspots for these crimes include the delivery area, a thousand streets, and Aloo Estate in Oyugis Town.
Deputy County Commissioner Kieti urged students to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals in their vicinity, emphasizing that the perpetrators are likely locals. Speaking at a meeting on Wednesday at Rachuonyo KMTC, co
nvened to address student safety concerns, he highlighted the need for collective action among students and security agencies to address the security issues.
The college management has reported several recent incidents of student attacks and has sought increased support from local security forces. Leonard Ayora, the college principal, expressed gratitude for the efforts of security personnel but stressed the need for collaborative efforts to mitigate safety challenges.
Deputy County Commissioner Kieti advised students to rent houses in groups to enhance their security through mutual assistance and encouraged the reporting of thefts and robberies to the police for prompt response. He assured that police patrols would commence immediately and urged students to avoid being out late at night.
The commissioner also announced plans to meet with landlords who accommodate students to discuss measures for securing their properties. Rachuonyo KMTC, opened on March 2, 2016, by Professor Philip Kaloki, currently hosts
592 students, most of whom live in rented housing due to limited on-campus accommodation. The college population consists of 502 female and 97 male students, as reported by Principal Ayora.