The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has launched an initiative aimed at rebuilding trust between young people, the police and the government.
The programme will bring together the National Police Service, community policing groups and national government officials to strengthen cooperation.
Officials say the initiative will eventually be rolled out across the country as Kenya prepares for the next general election.
In Kisumu, members of community policing groups, the police and Kenya Prisons Service took part in activities designed to strengthen relations between security agencies and local communities.
Kisumu County Commissioner Mohamed Ramadhan urged young people to stay away from crime and drug abuse, and instead engage in constructive activities.
He also called on members of the public to share information with security agencies that could help prevent crime and apprehend suspects.
Ramadhan said there should be no mistrust between the police and the public, arguing that the two depend on each other to maintain security.
Kisumu County Community Policing chairman Ochieng Omwa said the strained relationship between the police and the public had its roots in the colonial era.
He urged both sides to work together to improve security in their communities.
Kisumu Central Officer Commanding Division Edward Ndirangu said police were ready to act on information provided by members of the public.
He specifically criticised armed youth groups known locally as “Mbogi”, saying they had no place in society.
Ghetto President Calvin Okoth, also known as Gucho, said young people should be given a greater role in national politics.
He accused politicians of using young people for political purposes and abandoning them afterwards.
Activist Kasmuel Macoure called on young people in western Kenya to support President William Ruto’s re-election bid.
He criticised those advocating a “one-term” presidency, saying they had failed to present a clear agenda for young people and the wider population.
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