NAIROBI, Kenya – The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has announced plans to fund graffiti projects aimed at providing an alternative to youth involvement in gangs.
This new approach comes as part of Kenya’s broader effort to combat rising youth violence, leveraging the power of artistic expression as a tool for social change.
The initiative is part of the government’s ongoing Jukwaa la Usalama program, which fosters open dialogue between citizens and security institutions.
During the first regional forum held in Mombasa on April 8, 2025, government officials highlighted the importance of engaging youth through creative outlets to counter the growing influence of criminal gangs.
The Ministry has recognized that while gang violence has plagued many urban areas, especially among young people, art could serve as a powerful diversion, offering both self-expression and economic opportunity.
As part of the initiative, local artists and communities will be invited to collaborate on public murals and graffiti projects that not only beautify urban spaces but also tell the stories of young people’s struggles and triumphs.
The projects will be rolled out in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and other stakeholders, including local businesses and community leaders, to ensure the projects resonate with local concerns and offer practical alternatives to gang affiliation.
Speaking during the forum, Cabinet Secretary for Interior Kipchumba Murkomen emphasized the importance of providing creative avenues for youth as part of a larger strategy to tackle insecurity and social exclusion.
The initiative also reflects the broader objectives of Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which seeks to empower communities at the grassroots level through initiatives that foster inclusion, self-expression, and local ownership.
Jukwaa la Usalama Nationwide Tour, Kilifi CountyThe Jukwaa la Usalama town hall meetings have afforded us a valuable opportunity to learn first-hand, the challenges Wananchi experience when seeking government services at the grassroots.At the same time, we have been able to
Through the Jukwaa la Usalama forums, the Ministry has made it clear that these types of community-driven projects will become a central feature of national security policy, focusing not just on enforcement but on proactive measures that address the root causes of violence.
At the Coast Region’s forum, a major concern raised by local youth leaders was the lack of platforms for meaningful engagement and personal development.
Many youth expressed frustration at the absence of job opportunities and support for their talents, particularly in arts and culture.
In response, the government has committed to building youth centers, where graffiti artists and other creatives can receive training, resources, and mentorship.
In addition to graffiti projects, the government plans to support a series of mentorship programs, creative workshops, and youth talent exhibitions, which will serve as an alternative to the pull of criminal gangs.
The initiative aligns with the government’s broader commitment to creating safer communities and empowering young people to take an active role in their own future.
By integrating these creative outlets into the fabric of public safety, the Ministry hopes to reduce youth involvement in violent crime while promoting a sense of civic responsibility and community pride.
The funding for the graffiti projects will come from both government and private sector partnerships, with an emphasis on sustainable and long-term support for young artists.
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