Most youths in Majengo, Mombasa, have resorted to drug abuse and idling because they lack ambition, elders have said.
Majengo Community Organisation chairman Abdalla Dadala attributed the problem to school dropouts and parental neglect.
He said said many youths who leave school prematurely have little interest in furthering their education or acquiring vocational skills, choosing instead to idle around, smoke bhang and chew khat. Some eventually turn to crime, tarnishing the image of the Majengo community.
The MCO, whose membership largely comprises residents aged above 50, was formed to address long-standing challenges affecting the area, including land issues, youth unemployment and lack of mentorship.
Dadala said the organisation recently organised a meeting targeting school dropouts to explore opportunities for them to resume education or acquire skills that would improve their employability.
“We spent almost a whole week mobilising for the meeting at Ziwani grounds, but only five young people turned up,” he said.
He was speaking during a meeting at Majenga Village Hall in Mombasa on Monday.
“I asked them where the others were. They told me many first wanted to know whether they would be paid for attending. There was no money for attending the meeting.”
Dadala said the five youths who attended had no specialised skills and survived on casual jobs.
Because some MCO members are directors in different companies, he said, they used their networks to secure employment for the five.
“They are now earning a living. With time, they will also receive skills training so they can improve their prospects. Those who stayed away are still sitting at home,” he said.
He said the matter was raised with Majengo chief Aisha Orowe.
Without giving details, Dadala said the chief shared concerns about challenges affecting some households in the area.
“Please talk to your children who have come of age. Let them build their future. Do not let them stay idle because they will eventually go astray,” he urged parents.
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Despite the challenges, Dadala said Majengo has produced many successful professionals who continue to inspire the community.
He said a subsequent meeting involving professionals from the area attracted a large turnout, including a lecturer at the Technical University of Mombasa and senior banking executives.
“The successful ones have ambition, and they continue supporting the work of the Majengo Community Organisation. They help whenever we have community functions,” he said.
He urged parents to encourage their children to pursue education or vocational training instead of remaining idle.
Orowe said many parents had abandoned their responsibilities, leaving young people without proper guidance.
“That is why our children are the way they are. It is not encouraging,” she said.
She called on parents to play a more active role in mentoring their children.
“Let us take good care of our children. No matter how they are, we need to encourage and guide them.”
Dadala warned that although the problem may appear small, it is steadily taking root and requires urgent intervention.
“It will take a lot of encouragement to change our youth,” he said, adding that stronger discipline within families would help improve the community’s image.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir told the meeting the county government would revive the Skills Mitaani programme to equip young people with practical skills.
The programme, first introduced when he was Mvita MP, will be expanded across the county and will offer training in trades such as plumbing, mechanics, electrical installation, carpentry and tailoring.
“I will also provide start-up capital. I cannot train someone to become a carpenter and then fail to help them buy the tools they need,” Nassir said.
He said the Mombasa County Revolving Fund will offer interest-free loans to help young people start or expand businesses and support those seeking employment opportunities abroad
