More than 500 college and university students on Wednesday held a peaceful demonstration against the high level of terrorism in the country.
The students, who were joined by youth groups from Mombasa County, marched from the Post Office to Mama Ngina Drive.
Coast University and College Students Organisation secretary general Seph Reagan said there is a new face of terrorism involving radicalisation of Kenyan youth in parts of the country.
Mr Reagan called for a united effort from the county government and the community to combat rising cases of youth radicalization in the country.
Mr Reagan said, “The extremists are radicalising youth and urging them to carry out acts of violence in our country.”
“Most of the youth in the region engage in drug abuse and criminal activities due to idleness. The unemployed youths are a soft target for those recruiting youth into gangs and radicalisation by terror groups.”
Youth executive Mohammed Abbas who was also present during the protest urged the youth to desist from retrogressive practices like terrorism and instead use their talent, knowledge and energies in productive activities to empower them and bring change into Mombasa County.
Mr Abbas said, “We are asking the government to address the challenges facing the youth at an early stage by providing jobs to the youth.”