Bodies turn to drama, poetry to fight crime and drug abuse

In response to the alarming rise in drug abuse and crime among Gen Z youths along the Kenyan coast, a new peacebuilding initiative is using the power of creative arts to foster social cohesion and harmony in schools across Mombasa and Kwale counties.

Muslims Women Advancement of Rights and Protection (MWARP), CEFA, National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) among other stakeholders, have rolled out a vibrant programme dubbed ‘Kujenga Amani’, which leverages drama, poetry and spoken word to inspire peaceful coexistence and instil values of unity among learners.

It is a programme that is conducted through the Schools’ Amani Clubs in the two coastal counties and targets young learners in both public and private secondary institutions, aiming to empower them as peace ambassadors in their communities.

At the moment, the programme is being implemented in 24 secondary schools in Kwale and Mombasa.

According to MWARP officer, Fahad Changi, schools are a crucial entry point for early intervention, and creative expression provides a safe space for young people to voice their struggles and aspirations while building confidence and empathy.

“We want to equip students with the right tools and values to say no to violence, tribalism, and drugs, and instead embrace diversity, dialogue, and peace,” he said.

According to Changi, the programme has an element of interschool competitions where students showcase emotionally powerful performances addressing real-life issues such as radicalisation, gender-based violence, drug trafficking and political intolerance.

The officer said the performances are aimed at sparking meaningful conversations among students and their peers, teachers, and community leaders.

Changi said the peace campaign includes mentorship programmes, peer counselling, and forums that bring together students from different ethnic and religious backgrounds to promote mutual understanding and unity.

He said the programme also gives students an opportunity to explore and nurture their talents, channel their energy positively, and concentrate on building meaningful lives.

Vulnerable counties

“When students discover their talents through drama and poetry, they gain confidence and begin to envision a brighter future for themselves. It helps them stay focused, avoid destructive behaviours, and grow into responsible citizens,” he said.

Mombasa Amani Clubs Coordinator Shakombo Mwangauri said the programme is currently focused on the two coastal counties of Mombasa and Kwale due to their heightened vulnerability to radicalisation, violent extremism and drug abuse.

“These regions have been flagged as hotspots where youth are frequently targeted by extremist recruiters and criminal gangs. That’s why we are using creative platforms like drama and poetry to steer them away from such dangers and into positive transformation,” he said.

Mwangauri further revealed that similar peace and cohesion initiatives are underway in other coastal counties, tailored to address unique challenges facing local youths.  He said the broader goal is to plant seeds of national unity and resilience among Kenya’s young generation.

Mwangauri said the programme has already begun to bear fruit, noting a significant reduction in cases of school rivalries and related tensions. He said students are now more focused on collaboration and peaceful expression rather than competition and hostility.

Mwangauri added that participating students are often awarded various prizes to inspire others and encourage wider ownership of the peacebuilding initiative.

The awards range from certificates and trophies, to mentorship opportunities and exposure in regional platforms, all aimed at reinforcing the values of unity, discipline, and resilience.

Mwanambeyu Girls High School teacher Abdalla Hamza praised the initiative, saying it has been instrumental in building the capacity of both teachers and students on matters of peace, tolerance, and social responsibility.

Hamza added that students are also actively involved in charity and community service as part of the initiative, which include beach clean-ups, visits to children’s homes and participating in community-driven projects.

A student at Mama Ngina, Barbara Madina, welcomed the initiative, calling on more schools to integrate peace education and creative arts into their extracurricular programs.

“As a student, I’ve seen how these artistic expressions give us a sense of purpose. It’s powerful,” she said.

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