Hundreds of innocent lives have been lost in Northeastern Region with terror groups targeting security officers, civil servants and innocent wananchi.
There is however a much more bigger problem that state and non state actors are now dealing with, that of local youth being radicalized by the al shabaab militia group.
Mohamed Haji, the programmes officer search for common ground said that the only way to boost the morale of individuals who have contributed to peace and security in the region was recognizing their effort.
Speaking after the colorful ceremony that was held at a local hotel, Haji said terror has affected every sector in the region noting that the was cannot only be won by the secueity personnel.
“We have decided as civil societies to work closely with members of the public and the government agencies to come and work together in fight against terror, we will support all initiatives aimed at getting rid of these criminals,” Haji said.
The initiative that is funded by the EU and USAID is aimed at celebrating individuals who have contributed to peace and security.
A youth art completion was also held to nature the talent of young people in the region with the winners from the sub-counties also being awarded. TOT committee members who have been trained to impact knowledge and skills to the community were also awarded with certificates.
Deputy county commissioner Benard Kipury said violent extremism has become a threat to life of residents since organization of peace processions to ensure ends of attacks.
The administrator further challenged other organizations to come on board and compliment governments effort in tackling the CVE has remained a big challenged.
“to counter violent extremism we all need to come together, we have to bring the youth, parent, government, clerics, women, NGO and all other actors to ensure that we counter violent extremism.,” said Kipury.
He added: “and i can tell you for a fact it is bearing reults. incidences of terrorism have drastically gone down. our youth are becoming more responsible and shunning away from this vices,”.
Katra Hassan Shurie , the chairlady sharif group said that peace was paramount and lack of it affects every aspect of life.
“Sometimes we take peace for granted until when things become bad. we have seen what insecurity can do to a society and the country at a large and we should never wish to go that route. let us all jealously safeguard it and name and shame all those hell-bent on causing havoc,” she said.