Security officials, locals’ forum helps tame crime in Garissa

In a bid to restore security in Garissa town and its environs, residents and security personnel have praised a renewed push for community engagement through joint forums. According to local officials, these meetings — held under the auspices of International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other partners — have helped curb a worrying surge in muggings, robberies and human‑trafficking cases that had plagued the area.
A few months ago, women walking to or from the market often fell victim to robberies, shops were being broken into, and youth were reportedly being smuggled out through illegal trafficking routes.
At a community‑engagement forum held in Iftin ward, local peace‑movement leaders and residents explained how the collaboration has changed the dynamic: information is now flowing from worried neighbours to police, and parents who once shielded their children suspected of crime are now alerting authorities.
According to them, in recent months there has not been a single reported case of trafficking — a testimony to the impact of collective vigilance.
The initiative appears to be yielding real benefits. Locals say violence and theft have dropped and business owners no longer feel the need to shut down early for fear of crime.
Security officials, human‑rights activists and community elders alike have lauded the renewed sense of trust and cooperation between the public and law enforcement — a trust deficit many described as a major obstacle prior to the forums.
Looking ahead, stakeholders hope this momentum continues. With proper follow‑through — including consistent engagement, swift response to leads, and inclusion of youth and parents — Garissa could become a model for community policing in other counties. The success of these forums suggests that with solidarity and mutual trust, everyday citizens can play a central role in reclaiming neighbourhoods from crime.