Varsity students take Mombasa Governor to task over insecurity, drugs and unemployment

University students in Mombasa confronted Governor Abdulswamad Nassir on pressing issues including security, rampant drug use, soaring youth unemployment, and the glaring lack of sports facilities during the first Comrades Kikao.

The Saturday event, hosted by the students of the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM), saw the participation of students from other higher learning institutions, including Jomo Kenyatta University Of Agriculture And Technology (JKUAT) Mombasa, University of Nairobi (UoN) Mombasa, Mount Kenya University (MKU) Mombasa, and Kenya National Coast Polytechnic.

Duncan Otieno, a student from Bandari Maritime Academy highlighted a critical issue for maritime students. "The first issue we have is sea time. Many students pursuing Marine Engineering and Nautical Science face big issues when seeking sea time," Otieno stated.

He added, “We try to look for jobs, but we are informed Kenya has no ships. Most of us have done the courses and have the certificates, but getting the jobs is a very big problem. We are asking for assistance for something to be done about it."

Duncan Otieno, a student from Bandari Maritime Academy during the first Comrades Kikao hosted by the students of Technical University of Mombasa on July 20, 2024. (Photo: X/Abdulswamad Nassir)

The discussion also touched on drug and substance abuse. "Instead of putting up security cameras, the real issue should be addressed, which is idleness," one student remarked. "I have interacted with several youths, and they say they do not engage in crime because they love it, but because they are idle and unemployed,” said one of the students.

Students noted that the TUM Dynamos football club helps both alumni and locals participate in sports, thus helping to fight drug abuse. However, they highlighted the lack of funds, forcing them to pay out of pocket to access sports facilities.

"We had a lively engagement with comrades discussing various issues touching on their welfare. We welcome the challenge from our youth to run a transparent and accountable administration that listens to its people," said Governor Abdulswamad Nassir in response to the students' concerns

"On the issue of sports facilities, I have given instructions that all stadiums we have built should be accessible to you. These are not private entities, so you should have access. We will have slots to be able to play at certain times.”

Regarding seafarers, the county boss noted, "Before, they paid around Sh60,000 for medical certificates, but now with Coast General Hospital coming on board, it will be a fraction of the cost. The whole idea is to make our seafarers able to access sea time affordably."

On the issue of drugs, Abdulswamad acknowledged the problem but highlighted the challenge of juvenile crime. "What I do not agree with is you cannot tell me that a young boy who is 16 years old has decided to join crime because he is idle when we have people who are still 24 and looking for jobs. That 16-year-old should be in school," he said.

The event highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to the challenges facing Mombasa's youth, with the governor pledging to address the issues raised.