Security personnel will undergo continuous training on security matters to ensure they respond to emerging trends to counter youth radicalization to extremism.
Kakamega County Commissioner (CC) Mrs. Pauline Dolla said that the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) has mounted continuous training of security personnel across the country in order to equip them with skills to counter new and emerging trends in violent extremism.
Mrs. Dolla said suspected terrorists were adapting new techniques to lure youth and that security personnel must keep abreast in order to counter youth extremism.
Speaking to the media in Kakamega town today during a training hosted by NCTC to all security agencies from the County, Mrs. Dolla said Kakamega County is one of the hotspots identified by the government for violent extremism, hence the need for security agencies to remain vigilant.
The Administrator cited two of the three Kamiti escapees as being from the County and called on other partners to help security agencies by volunteering information.
The terror suspects who escaped mid last month were however recaptured in a remote village in Kitui County, about 180 kilometres from Nairobi.
She said that security officials were on high alert to ensure peace prevails during the Christmas festivities and the forthcoming General Election.
Dolla at the same time called for political tolerance during the electioneering period and asked local people not to allow political ideologies to divide them.
The County Commissioner warned that ‘disco matanga’ remained outlawed, saying such social events have in the past contributed to lawlessness and early pregnancies.
“Parents must be cautious and ensure they take personal responsibility for their children during this festive period,” she added.
Mrs. Dolla also called on the media to avoid sensationalizing news’ stories and ensure they seek audience with the relevant agencies for facts and accuracy.
The CC said the training would be rolled out to all Assistant County Commissioners, Chiefs and their Assistants, to ensure they remained alert and aware of emerging trends in the security sector.
By George Kaiga
