California Police OCS meets Eastleigh youth to foster harmony, address insecurity

The Officer Commanding Station (OCS) of California Ward, Adan Guyo, held a meeting on Monday afternoon with youth from California and Eastleigh South Ward. The gathering aimed to address insecurity in the areas and foster a collaborative relationship between the police and the community.

The event, attended by local leaders and residents, focused on encouraging the youth to assist police in reporting illegal activities and highlighting the harmful effects of crime.

Also present were California Member of County Assembly (MCA) Hashim Kamau, Kamukunji Constituency Manager Idah Munene, and California Assistant Chief Angela Nzioki.

Youth concerns

During the meeting, youth participants highlighted several challenges contributing to crime in their communities. Chief among their concerns was unemployment, which they said left them unable to provide for themselves and their families.

They also raised the issue of strained relationships with police officers noting that they often feel judged based on their attire, leading officers to assume they are involved in criminal activities.

California Ward MCA Hashim Kamau (left) with the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) of California Ward, Adan Guyo during a meeting with youth from California and Eastleigh South Wards on November 25, 2024. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

Another key concern was the lack of National Identification Cards (IDs), which they said hinders their ability to access credit from financial institutions to start businesses.

Additionally, harassment by police officers was reported as a common issue, particularly for those from informal settlements such as Kinyago and Kanuku in California and the Kiambiu slum in Eastleigh South Ward.

Leaders' responses

In response, OCS Adan Guyo emphasised that obtaining a National ID is free of charge and encouraged the youth to work with the Assistant Chief to secure the documents. He also highlighted the dangers of drug abuse, singling out muguka as a widely misused substance among local youth.

“When you get Sh50, you use it to buy muguka and other drugs. Save that money instead because drugs will lead you to crime,” Adan said.

The OCS also announced the establishment of a youth liaison office at the police station. This initiative aims to address challenges faced by young people in his jurisdiction. He urged them to explore self-employment opportunities, citing the California Ajira Center, which offers free training on earning money online.

Youth from California and Eastleigh South Wards during the meeting with the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) of California Ward, Adan Guyo on November 25, 2024. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

“This centre provides lessons for free. You can make money online from the education you get here,” he added.

California MCA Hashim Kamau encouraged the youth to stay in school, emphasising the importance of a secondary school certificate for even the most basic jobs.

“Most of you drop out of school. When you apply for a job, even in the Green Army, you need to have completed Form Four. Unfortunately, many of you do not have this qualification,” he noted.

Available opportunities

Kamukunji Constituency Manager Idah Munene reminded the youth of the opportunities available at the Kamukunji Technical and Vocational Center (KTVC). She explained that the institution offers technical courses designed to create employment opportunities.

“Technical courses at KTVC will provide you with skills that create good opportunities,” she said.

Kamukunji Constituency Manager Idah Munene while addressing the youth at California Ajira Centre on November 25, 2024. (Photo: Abdihakim Khalif)

Assistant Chief Angela Nzioki assured the youth of her readiness to assist them in obtaining IDs and urged them to reach out whenever needed.

The meeting left a significant impression on the youth, with many expressing optimism about future collaborations with law enforcement.

Abel Kimani, a youth representative from Kanuku, admitted that he previously viewed police officers as enemies. However, the session changed his perception.

“I sat down with an OCS for the very first time. I never believed police officers could be this friendly,” he said.

The dialogue marked an important step in bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community. Both parties committed to working together to improve security and create opportunities for the youth.

Local leaders and law enforcement pledged to continue engaging with the community to address their concerns and explore solutions to issues like unemployment, education, and harassment.