Be on the lookout for human traffickers, Garissa youth told
Official urges them to embrace opportunities locally before trying to move abroad.
16d agoSTEPHEN ASTARIKONorth-eastern
Garissa County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo speaking at the end of the 3 day workshop./STEPHEN ASTARIKOYouth in Garissa County have been urged to take a lead role in countering radicalization and violent extremism.
Garissa County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo said the fight against extremism lies in the hands of local communities, not just in national policies or global forums.
He spoke during the closing of a three-day training on Positive Peace Design held at a Garissa hotel.
The training was organised by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) in partnership with the Australian High Commission in Nairobi.
Thirty youth and peace actors were trained on preventing violent extremism using the Positive Peace Framework.
“You are the true architects of peace. By applying the pillars of Positive Peace—such as good governance, equitable distribution of resources, and the free flow of information—we can address the conditions that allow violence to take root,” Mwabudzo said.
Garissa County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo hands over a certificate to Daiman Dakane./STEPHEN ASTARIKOHe noted that radicalisation cases in the region have reduced but challenged the youth to use their training to help their communities.
“You are now equipped not just with knowledge, but with a responsibility,” he said. “Let us support one another, and let us amplify the voices of those often unheard.”
Dan Noel Odaba, Director at the Southern Africa Institute for Economics and Peace, said Garissa and Lamu are among the most affected counties.
He said the IEP aims to empower youth with skills and knowledge to resist radicalisation.
Odaba added that future plans include follow-ups and more training focused on development and income-generating activities.
Dan Noel Odaba, the director Southern Africa Institute for Economics and Peace(IEP)/STEPHEN ASTARIKOImran, founder of Ergo International Peace Initiative, said Mandera has also faced violent extremism.
“We are training local peace actors to become the buffer zone for affected communities,” he said.
Daiman Dakane highlighted the vital role women play in peacebuilding and called for greater inclusion in decision-making.
Participants also learned project design and resource mobilisation using the IEP framework.
