As schools break for the two-month holiday, Nyanza Regional Police Commander Patrick Tito has issued a strong plea for parents to ensure the safety and supervision of their children. Addressing rising insecurity in the Nyanza region, particularly in Kisumu County, Tito highlighted the increasing trend of minors, particularly teenage boys, getting involved in petty crimes during school breaks.
Tito cited a recent incident in Nyamasaria where students attempted to snatch phones from businesswomen, resulting in a confrontation. Such occurrences, he noted, have become common during school closures, with groups of young boys using motorbikes to target individuals, often snatching valuables, attacking unsuspecting residents, and engaging in other forms of theft. These acts usually occur in the evening or early morning hours, with some youths wielding metal bars to threaten and injure victims.
Parents must know where their teenage boys are at all times,” Tito warned. “We don’t want these boys caught in criminal activities, facing serious consequences or potentially fatal outcomes.”
In collaboration with Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga, Tito revealed ongoing efforts to tackle crime and improve security. Measures discussed include installing CCTV cameras at key city locations and business premises to monitor and respond swiftly to criminal activities. Tito pointed to the success seen in Nairobi, where CCTV implementation significantly curbed crime rates.
Street lighting has also emerged as a crucial factor in combatting crime in Kisumu’s informal settlements, including Nyalenda, Obunga, and Mamboleo. To address security gaps, Wanga committed to enhancing street lighting and exploring solar options to deter criminals from operating in dark, unmonitored areas.
In addition, the county government is considering plans to gate and zone the Milimani neighborhood, a residential area housing government officials and senior business professionals. “Gating Milimani will help control access and improve security for residents,” Tito stated.
Tito further called on local leaders to organize sporting activities, such as football, netball, and volleyball, to keep youths engaged during the holiday.
“Keeping our youth busy in positive activities can prevent them from falling into criminal behavior,” Tito remarked, noting that engaging them constructively could play a significant role in reducing holiday crime rates.
