As the Government continues to prevent and counter violent extremism, stakeholders in Kiambu County on Friday launched an action plan to boost the efforts.
While opening a three day workshop at a Ruiru resort during the unveiling of the County Action Plan, the Kiambu County Commissioner (CC), Wilson Wanyanga reiterated that security was a personal initiative.
He noted that in as much as it was the duty of the Government to secure the people and her property, “it starts with you and me who should be suspicious of all strangers wherever we are.”
During the function, a forum for Kiambu County which will be co-chaired by the CC and Kiambu Governor, Ferdinand Waititu was unveiled.
It draws participants from the community and the two arms of Government. The structure will be rolled out to the 13 sub-counties where it will be spearheaded by the Deputy County Commissioners.
Other members of the County forum are Women representative, Gathoni Wamuchomba, Member of Parliament for Kiambu town, Jude Njomo and MCA for Witeithie Mr. Macharia
Taki, Gladys Chania and Elijah Mwangale who will represent people living with disabilities, Rev. Stephen Mathenge representing religious institutions and representatives of ministries of children, registration of persons, Education and Information.
The team will reach out to the people and work with them through respective leaders in a bid to expose elements of extreme terrorism amongst them with an aim to protect the citizens.
Representing Kiambu Governor executive member for public administration, Ms. Margaret Ruinge said the forum should have come earlier.
“Our region is vulnerable because of proximity to the city which harbours people of all walks of life and interests some which can be destructive to a whole nation.”
The CEC member promised that the County Government of Kiambu was in support of the initiative which she said would go a long way in securing the region and allow people to concentrate on building the Nation.
Kiambu is the 13th county to form the forum which was first formed in Kwale with Mombasa becoming the second to own such an initiative.
The workshop was mounted by the National Counter Terrorism Centre in consultation with Haki Afrika and Ni kwetu organisations.
The CC called on those who had been selected to serve in the committee to serve with dedication, engage the community as much as possible and liaise with security apparatus for its success.
“If you are committed to securing your country, you will not expect to be paid to serve in this committee,” he said.
By Lydia Shiloya
