MOMBASA County-Dec 30, 2025-Youth from across Mombasa County have taken center stage in discussions on community security, following a youth-led research session organised by Vocal Africa at the Swahili Culture Hall. The initiative brought together participants from all six Mombasa sub-counties — Kisauni, Nyali, Likoni, Changamwe, Jomvu, and Mvita — to share perspectives on safety and security in the region.
The research aims to collect youth views on the challenges facing their communities, which will form the foundation for identifying priority areas and actionable strategies to improve security in the county.
According to Vocal Africa CEO, Hussein Khalid, the initiative was triggered by the long-standing association of youth with criminal activities in parts of Mombasa. “Youth are not just beneficiaries of security policies — they are key stakeholders who can contribute innovative ideas to make our communities safer,” Khalid said.
He noted that certain areas, including Kisauni, Nyali, and Likoni, have been particularly affected by insecurity, with county security departments engaged in continuous efforts to curb criminal activities.
During the forum, youth highlighted factors pushing their peers towards crime, including drug abuse, unemployment, hopelessness, and lack of access to higher education. Khalid urged the youth to steer away from criminal activities and instead take advantage of opportunities provided by both county and national governments to prosper.
“We should always engage the youth, understand them, advise them, and provide psychosocial support, since some may be going through mental health challenges,” Mr. Khalid said.
He added that the findings from the research will inform the next steps in dissuading youth from crime, helping to create safer communities across Mombasa County.
Vocal Africa has been actively involved in youth empowerment and civic initiatives across Kenya, including campaigns on human rights, environmental protection, and governance.
The organisation previously played a key role in highlighting legal and environmental concerns in high-profile cases, such as the Watamu affordable housing dispute.
In Mombasa, youth engagement is seen as critical to addressing urban crime, gang activity, and community-police relations. By involving young citizens directly in research and decision-making processes, stakeholders hope to foster accountability, innovative solutions, and civic responsibility in local governance.
