Al-Shabaab are using new tactics to recruit youths from the Arid and Semi-Arid (ASAL) areas in the country.
Devolution and Arid and Semi-Arid Lands Chief Administrative Secretary Hussein Dado said the youths are being lured into joining Al-Shabaab by being promised well-paying jobs and scholarships.
Dado who is the former Tana River Governor said that many youths from the region are joining militia groups because of rising unemployment and poverty levels.
Speaking during a public baraza on Monday in Kipao village, Garsen constituency, Dado said lack of employment provides fertile ground for illegal groups like Al-Shabaab to recruit the youths.
He said that the youths are a soft target for those recruiting youth into gangs and radicalization by terror groups.
“Al-Shabaab militants are using new tricks to recruit youth to the terror group. The terrorist organization is using scholarships and promise of better jobs to entice young people,” said Dado.
Parents in Tana River County have been urged to take their parental responsibilities more seriously to ensure their children do not join the terror groups.
Dado asked parents to be careful when applying for scholarships and allowing their children to get free jobs being offered to young people.
“Parents should scrutinise scholarships and free jobs being offered to prevent young people from joining the terror group,” he added.
#hivisasaoriginal