Elgeyo marakwet: Youth from Elgeyo Marakwet studying in various colleges have been urged to avoid being involved in criminal activities, as this may affect their entire lives.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Elgeyo Marakwet county police commander, Peter Mulinge, stated that the police maintain a database of fingerprints of any youth who have ever been arrested for involvement in any crime. This database is used to produce certificates of good conduct, which are mandatory for those seeking job opportunities, both locally and internationally. Mulinge, addressing youth in tertiary colleges under the Jukwaa la Wasomi peace and security conversations at the county commissioner’s boardroom in Iten, noted that the only way to erase a criminal record is through acquittal by the court.
Mulinge commended the youth for their contributions to peacebuilding and change in the county, highlighting their role in maintaining peace in the Kerio Valley. He noted that many reformed criminals providing information to the police are youth. Additionally, county gender coordinator Joseph Amuke reminded the youth to repay their Hustler Fund loans and warned against misusing social media, emphasizing that these are factors employers consider when shortlisting candidates.
Amuke advised, “Let us avoid abusing people online and ensure that we authenticate any message or social media post before forwarding.” Ag. County Commissioner Julius Maiyo also appealed to the youth to guard against drug abuse, noting an increase in such activities in the county, particularly the consumption of second-generation liquor due to its low cost.
Maiyo urged the youth to verify if the liquor had the Kenya Bureau of Standards sticker and to be cautious of its price as an indicator of authenticity. He warned, “If you find that the liquor is being sold to you cheaply, just know that it is fake and it is full of chemicals instead of genuine ingredients, which end up affecting your health. But I would advise to avoid alcohol if you can.”
The gender coordinator further encouraged the youth to combat female genital mutilation by opting to marry girls who have not undergone the rite. Meanwhile, the youth expressed concerns about job opportunities, linking involvement in criminal activities and protests to feelings of hopelessness.
In response, the county commissioner mentioned that the national government is working on the affordable housing project in the county and constructing the Kamariny stadium, urging those with skills to apply for available positions. Additionally, the government has equipped Technical and Vocational training centres to provide youth with skills for self-employment and job creation.
The youth also urged security forces to address the source of illegal brews for effective eradication, instead of focusing solely on consumers.