Kisumu|18 June 2026 – Several residents, including over 200 youth, converged at Mama Grace Onyango Social Hall on Wednesday for the “Kisumu Let’s Speak” Crime Si Poa forum aimed at tackling rising insecurity in the city.
Stakeholders identified unemployment, political exploitation, poor parenting, and drug abuse as the main drivers of crime. Areas such as Manyatta, Nyalenda and Obunga were cited as hotspots where idle youth are recruited by gangs and political actors, especially during election periods.
Independent Police Oversight Authority Commissioner Ken Nyakomitta said over 1,000 youth have been trained in mediation and conflict resolution through the Jukwaa La Wasomi initiative at universities, Kenya Medical Training Colleges (KMTCs) and TVETs.
He called for more joint activities like tree planting with police to build trust, arguing such engagement should happen year-round, not just on public holidays.
“Crime does not pay. We have trained, educated youth who can build the nation. Getting into crime for small tokens adds no value,” Nyakomitta said.
Crime Si Poa representative Bilha Achieng linked crime to unstable homes, noting some parents in informal settlements engage in drug abuse and even sell drugs locally. “These activities around child upbringing lead to bad influence and increase crime,” she said.
She said Crime Si Poa is working to reduce crime by empowering youth as peace ambassadors and securing job opportunities for the unemployed. Sustainable solutions, she added, require collaboration among government, private sector, civil society and communities.
Deputy Registrar, High Court Kisumu Vallery Adhiambo warned youth against burglary and other crimes, noting cases rely heavily on evidence from the ODPP.
An ODPP representative echoed the message: “Stay away from crime-it doesn’t pay. Respect your parents and uphold your education.”
Central Police Inspector Michael Nusu urged residents to report crimes. “Failure to share information means you are part of that crime. Let’s avoid crime and other vices in our dwellings,” he said as Deputy DCIO Kisumu officer said they work with communities and clergy to collect intelligence on serious crimes including robbery with violence, cyberbullying and financial crime.
On his part, Kibos Prisons Social Welfare Officer Timon Warambo highlighted rehabilitation programs for inmates and youth, while Geoffrey Odhiambo, a youth and recovering addict, urged peers to shun substance abuse, saying intoxication fuels crime. He encouraged youth to “hustle and try different jobs instead of idling.”
A teacher from Bishop Abiero Secondary said parents must stop abdicating their role in raising children.
The forum featured songs, dance, spoken word and skits. Organizers also challenged the media to highlight youth concerns and security gaps so policymakers can design interventions that reflect realities on the ground.
