After weeks of intense police crackdown on criminal gangs in Nakuru, a scout commissioner has initiated a free re-education programme for former gang members for reintegration into society.

Commissioner Ruth Kenagwa says the programme supported by government agencies and faith based organization seeks to equip participants with urban farming skills and raising tree nurseries for sustainable income.

She raised concern about huge number of boys dropping out of school and joining criminal gangs.

Kenagwa was speaking at Kariba Road Primary School grounds in Nakuru during a sensitisation programme for parents and youth from Bondeni, Free Area, Kaptembwa and Kivumbini slums where she advocated for the empowerment of boys.

“Young men are literally on their own in this world. They maneuver their way in life with little or no mentorship. We need the right mentors who will give young men platforms to learn from the most experienced and exposed members of the community who will assist them develop themselves holistically,” she said.

Last month, police in Nakuru arrested over 300 suspected gang members among them minors aged between 13 and 17 years.

Security agencies in the area report that young men between 18 and 25 years old are joining the groups and most of them are engaged in gambling and touting. The men have been extorting money from residents. Those who resist are physically attacked.

“It is high time men across all social classes make deliberate efforts to salvage the boy-child. Men need to deliberately develop themselves to become visible mentors in their families and communities for the sake of the boy-child,” she said

The commissioner’s cause involves the civil society, non-governmental organizations, security agencies and faith based organizations in counseling of young people against joining criminal gangs.

Pastor Zachary Amenya observed that parents need to be sensitized on crime trends to improve their capacity to detect and respond appropriately to behaviour changes among their teenage children. He urged residents to work with the drivers of the initiative to rid Nakuru of crime and attract progressive investment for better livelihoods.

Christine Mayeka, a parent, called for concerted efforts in the reconstruction of a non-violent identity of boys and men.