A partnership between the National Government, the County Government of Kiambu and Mount Kenya University (MKU) has built a community policing facility in Thika town which is now operational. Also newly constructed is a traffic police office at the Thika Police Station in a move that has been lauded as a positive development by local leaders.
MKU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Deogratius Jaganyi, says both initiatives have been implemented under a public-private partnership involving the three parties.
“Bringing police officers closer to the people will enhance safe communities as police officers will engage with residents with ease. This will develop a greater sense of trust and confidence in the police, leading to better communication and cooperation,” he says.
Prof Jaganyi pledged that MKU will continue to forge synergetic partnerships with security organs in safeguarding peace and security in the community, adding that MKU was fully committed towards promoting peace, justice and strong institutions within the country and across national borders to international horizons.
Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a on Friday officially commissioned the community policing facility, located on General Kago Road, next to the university’s main campus in Thika’s Industrial Area.
“There has been unprecedented growth of the existing colleges within this constituency as well as establishment of new ones, both public and many others are privately supported,” she noted.
Although Thika town is generally peaceful, Ms Alice Ng’ang’a, the area Member of Parliament (MP), who was chief guest, said more can be done to improve security in the town and eliminate stubborn illicit activities that also affect students. She thanked security agencies for the peace and security enjoyed in the town and all residents as security is always shared concern.
“When you witness a crime and fail to report, you are failing yourself and the community. So let us all embrace this new initiative as our programme for the good of all of us who are here today, tomorrow and in the future,” said the MP.
Lauding MKU for providing a surveillance vehicle for night police patrols, Ms. Ng’ang’a asked residents to contribute towards making the town safer.
“We are happy there will be more night patrols around the hostels where students from the university and other colleges live, since they are targets for muggers,” said the MP.
Kiambu County Police Commander, Perminus Kioi, said the newly built Thika Industrial Area Police facility will significantly improve security in the area.
“It will help in reducing crime in that section of Thika Town, particularly around MKU,” she said.
Kioi said taking police officers closer to the people enhances community policing, as police officers will engage with residents in non-emergency situations, such as community events or educational programmes. “This will foster positive relationships and mutual respect between law enforcement and the community,” he noted.
The facility will also develop a greater sense of trust and confidence in the police, leading to better communication and cooperation. “Furthermore, bringing police closer to the people means that the community will experience quick response to crime and emergencies. This is crucial in saving life and property,” added the regional police boss.
Mr Kioi said Thika Town is host to some of the largest informal settlements in Kenya (such as Kiandutu) and a big population of youths who attend colleges and universities in the area.
“Common security problems in the town range from petty crime to complex criminal activities committed online. Major security issues within the town include theft and the snatching of mobile phones and personal items by criminals riding motorbikes. Students in Thika town have also been victims of violent robberies, physical assault in the streets, drugs and substance abuse, online fraud and conning,” said Kioi.
He said having a community policing facility in the neighbourhood will also contribute to the overall well-being of the community. “We are witnessing a shift towards criminal activities committed online such as online money fraud, where unsuspecting people are duped to pay for fake services or are tricked to share their MPesa or bank details,” the county police boss said.
The Member of County Assembly for Hospital Ward, John Njiru Njue, appreciated the public-private partnership supported by MKU on the security and safety of residents.
“I strongly recommend that other local institutions engage in similar strategic partnerships that will go a long way in fostering national socio-economic development,” he says.
Njue challenged institutions of higher education to promote a culture of peace, security and social wellness among communities surrounding them.
MKU made a request last year to the Interior ministry to beef up security around the university and the neighbourhood. The ministry approved the establishment of a community policing facility near the university’s main campus in Thika town.
By James Wakahiu
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