Individuals who surrender illegal firearms are set to be offered education and skills training instead of prosecution
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The programme targets youth in banditry, providing scholarships and roles in national development projects
Those who refuse the offer were warned of tough consequences as investigations into arms suppliers continue
TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
A quiet revolution is taking shape in northern Kenya as the government tries a new tool to fight banditry, education.
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Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen unveiled a government-supported initiative aimed at ending banditry in the region by offering education and rehabilitation instead of prosecution.
The announcement was made during a high-level security forum held in Elgeyo Marakwet on Friday, July 25, where Murkomen presented the programme as part of a broader plan to reintegrate young people involved in armed violence.
Under the new approach, individuals who voluntarily surrendered illegal firearms would not face prosecution, provided they had not committed other serious crimes.
Government to educate, employ reformed bandits
Instead, they would be given access to formal education, vocational training, and psychosocial support through government-funded institutions.
“We are extending an olive branch to all these young people who have guns. They may not have participated in the recent raids and killings of people, but if you have one, we are giving you an opportunity in the shortest time possible to present yoursself to police and surrender the gun” Murkomen said.
The programme is set to prioritise the provision of scholarships and the development of vocational centres in high-risk areas.
Upon completing their training, reformed individuals would be assigned to national development projects such as the Affordable Housing Programme, ensuring they are not only rehabilitated but also contributing productively to society.
“We will take you to a technical college, and to construction sites to go nand build affordable housing instead of engaging in the kind of acts that have been there,” Murkomen added.
Murkomen declares war on bandits, their financiers
According to government data, over 1,000 illegal firearms had already been recovered in the ongoing crackdown against armed criminal groups.
However, the government believes that force alone is not enough to solve the insecurity that has long troubled counties such as Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Turkana, and Samburu, which continue to experience cattle rustling and inter-community conflict.
Murkomen made it clear that the offer of amnesty and education would not remain on the table indefinitely.
“If you insist that you must continue to be in banditry, you have no one to blame. I want to ask parents who know their children are involved in banditry, to everything now to persuade their children to take the safest peaceful means, by surrendering guns and taking the pen and affordable housing instead,” he warned.
The government is also investigating suspected financiers and arms suppliers, including local leaders and professionals believed to be fuelling the criminal economy.
The aim is to dismantle not just the individuals involved in banditry but also the broader networks supporting them.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
