Garissa University launches community policing initiative to boost security and prevent extremism

Garissa University has rolled out a community policing initiative to strengthen information sharing between security agencies and the public in a bid to prevent security threats.

The university, which endured one of Kenya’s deadliest terrorist attacks in April 2015 that claimed the lives of 147 students, launched the initiative to help close critical security gaps.

Prof Justus Mochami Gori, the university’s Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, said the institution is still recovering from the 2015 attack, and the Garissa University Policing Initiative is one of several efforts aimed at building lasting resilience against future security threats.

"A joint working relationship between students, community and security actors is very important; if such a relationship were in place, we would not have lost 147 students," he said.

He said the initiative, dubbed Usalama ni Uaminifu, is supported by the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund and implemented by Regional Pastoralist Peace Link in partnership with the African Child Development Organisation. It aims to strengthen trust and collaboration among security actors, students, and the local community, enhance information sharing, and build resilience against violence and extremism.

He announced that the initiative also includes the launch of an early warning and response centre, equipped with a toll-free number.

"We will also have sessions for dialogues between students and security actors, and members of the community and students. There will also be an open sporting day that will provide a safe and interactive space for Garissa University students, members of the community and security actors," he added.

The vice chancellor highlighted the university’s progress since the deadly attack and revealed plans to open new branches in Wajir and Mandera counties.

Garissa Township Deputy County Commissioner Sebastian Okiring recalled the tragic loss of innocent students in the terror attack, stressing the importance of proactive measures like information sharing and collaboration to prevent future security threats.

"It is a sad memory that we would not allow it to happen again. We all have a role to play in matters of security, let's collectively address existing gaps, engage in meaningful discussions, build trust and address misconceptions about security operations," he said.

He noted that trust and cooperation between security officers and the local community had significantly improved, rising from 30 per cent to 72 per cent.

He expressed gratitude to the donor partners supporting efforts to improve security in the region.

Mohamed Amin from the Regional Pastoralist Peace Initiative called on students, community members, and security agencies to actively support the Garissa University community policing initiative, saying it would help build trust and foster stronger collaboration.

He emphasised that the timely sharing of information is crucial for swift intervention in the face of potential threats.

Other Topics To Read

• Northern Kenya
• Garissa University
• Garissa University terror attack
• Iftin Location Chief Dekow Mohamud
• Garissa University community policing initiative
• Prof Justus Mochami Gori
• Garissa University launches community policing initiative to boost security and prevent extremism
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"Recognising that security is not just about enforcement but also engagement is important. This initiative facilitates structured dialogues, joint activities, and public awareness initiatives to bridge gaps, dispel misinformation, and promote community-led safety measures," he said.

Iftin Location Chief Dekow Mohamud, who is also a peace and security studies student at the university, urged the community to actively engage in the initiative, saying it would strengthen peace and security both within the university and in the wider region.

"Let's collectively own this initiative, without peace and security, life will be difficult, the local community must protect this university since the enemies who committed the past unfortunate atrocities are our common enemies and anti-development and progress," he said.

He urged chiefs in Garissa Town and across the county to help promote and raise awareness about the initiative.