The Elkana Jacob Foundation employees celebrate the recognition by the Nyali Subcounty Peace and Cohesion Committee in Nyali on Wednesday / BRIAN OTIENO
The Elkana Jacob Foundation employees celebrate the recognition by the Nyali Subcounty Peace and Cohesion Committee in Nyali on Wednesday / BRIAN OTIENO
The Nyali Subcounty Peace and Cohesion Committee has called for increased peace-building initiatives as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.
The call comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in parts of the constituency.
Boda boda riders are among those bearing the brunt of the insecurity, with several attacks involving the theft of motorcycles reported.
On September 15, boda boda rider Chai Chivatsi was attacked by at least four armed men in the Bakarani area of Nyali Subcounty.
His fingers were chopped off and he sustained multiple injuries to his head, hands and legs. His motorcycle, money and mobile phone were also stolen.
On September 12, another rider, Joseph Mwai, was attacked by a five-member gang in Mwandoni, Nyali subcounty.
Mwai had just dropped off a passenger and was heading back to his Gas Field stage when he was attacked.
His motorcycle was stolen and the matter reported at Mbungoni police station under OB No. 27/12/09/2026.
Speaking on September 23, Nyali Subcounty Peace and Cohesion Committee chairperson Mwanajuma Suleiman said the incidents pointed to a worrying trend that could worsen as the country approaches the 2027 elections.
Suleiman attributed some of the insecurity to unemployment and idleness among young people, saying this could make them vulnerable to criminal activities.
“That is why we appreciate peace-building efforts in the community, like those of the Elkana Jacob Foundation,” Suleiman said.
She spoke after awarding the foundation a certificate of appreciation in Nyali.
Suleiman said the foundation had contributed to peace-building, youth engagement and community cohesion, particularly in an area facing high unemployment.
During the International Day of Peace on Monday, the foundation also called on young people to engage in constructive community activities and avoid involvement in crime.
The Elkana Jacob Foundation says it has trained more than 500 young people in Nyali and other parts of Mombasa county in peace-building initiatives.
Its Integration, Prevention and Countering Violent Extremism training has also involved training young people to identify warning signs of individuals seeking to exploit their vulnerability.
The 2026 International Day of Peace was observed under the theme, “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”
The United Nations said the theme highlighted the role of communities and individuals in building peace through everyday actions.
The foundation says its programmes focus on peace-building, poverty reduction, education, healthcare and environmental conservation.
Its activities include supporting vulnerable families, education initiatives, youth empowerment, tree planting and community clean-up exercises.
It has also supported widows, elderly people and orphans, including assistance with housing.
Students have received school fees, while orphanages and other community members have received food support.
Nyali resident Terryani Mwadzaya said youth unemployment and idleness could leave young people vulnerable to manipulation and criminal activity.
“The goon culture is happening because youth are idle, have no jobs and lack basic peace concepts,” Mwadzaya said.
She said sustained youth engagement was necessary to promote peace and security in Nyali and Mombasa county.
“The work being done by the foundation goes beyond giving assistance. Initiatives such as tree planting, clean-up exercises, education support and peace programmes bring people together and give young people a sense of belonging,” another Nyali resident, Daudi Mwakazi, said.
In January, the foundation partnered with Muslim leaders in Nyali to support an Islamic Qur’anic and knowledge competition targeting young people across the constituency’s five wards.
Organisers said the programme was intended to promote youth engagement, character development, unity and social responsibility.
Foundation chairman Rashid Mfano said the recognition reflected the foundation’s community work and thanked residents and partners involved in its programmes.
The foundation is associated with Elkana Jacob, a media practitioner and political aspirant who has declared interest in the Nyali parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
The attacks on boda boda riders highlight the security and livelihood pressures facing young people in Nyali. Peace-building initiatives can complement security measures by addressing community cohesion, youth engagement and awareness of violent extremism.
However, concerns about unemployment and youth vulnerability require sustained action beyond short-term programmes. With the 2027 General Election approaching, community initiatives involving politically active individuals should also maintain clear separation between peace work and political campaigning.
