RODI KENYA launches program to combat the rising crime

The Mountain Journal

An NGO has partnered with primary schools working towards the realization of CBC by equipping the young with life skills to deter them from being lured into criminality.

Resources Oriented Development Initiative (Rodi Kenya) initiated the multi-million shillings program following revelations that the rate at which the under 18 in custody was rising annually.

In an economic survey, Susan Wanjiru a program officer with Rodi Kenya revealed that the population of convicted juvenile prisoners (under 18 years) and adult prisoners (18 years and above) increased from 406 and 65,057 respectively, in 2021 to 927 and 65,493, in 2022.

Through the Schools Crime Prevention and Life Skills program, she said, Rodi Kenya has managed to interact with more than 1,000 pupils annually where they are equipped with skills that include organic farming, raising rabbits, goats, and chickens.

She explains that the CBC concept was introduced years after skills life programs bore fruits through mentorship of the young.

“The concept initiated 15 years ago in partnership with the Ministry of Education has attracted primary schools in eight regions among them Nairobi, Kakamega, Kiambu, Nyeri, Turkana, and Kapsabet which has played a pivotal role in crime prevention and reduction,” said Wanjiru.

Rodi Kenya school program is established near prison facilities, where convicts undergo mentorship in organic agriculture.

In Murang’a, Maranjau Prison has been listed for mentorship, and nearby Maranjau Primary School for a skills life program.

In Gatundu North, the program is at Ikuma and Thara primary schools with 100 pupils enrolled, and teachers installed as patrons, while Rodi Kenya officials offer technical advice.

Ikuma Primary School headteacher Mr. George Thuo said the enrolment in the life skill programme excited the school since it was established.

“Enrolment starts in grade four and those registered can be dropped if they develop bad behaviours,” said Thuo.

Virginia Wanjiru Kariuki, a parent underscores the importance of the life skill program, saying that in 2020, her child demonstrated a sense of responsibility by opening a roadside eatery.

“The child came up with an idea of selling chips near our home and I assisted her with the basics and from the business which I was part of to save the family,” said Wanjiru.

In Mukurwe village, Jerald Waithaka, a student at Mutuma secondary school owns eight goats and rearing interests that he developed from his parents.