UJAMAA centre, through Tuvuke initiative, has initiated programmes in Tana River, Kwale and Kilifi counties to educate youths on peaceful and fair electoral process.

According to the centre's programme officer Joan Otungo the programme is aimed at discouraging violence. Speaking to the Star yesterday, Otungo said it is vital to address the challenges facing the youth as the country approaches elections to reduce their vulnerability to manipulation by politicians.

"For many years the Coast region has been witnessing a cyclical pattern of violence that peaks every election year and that is why we have decided to engage youths in peace programmes to discourage them from being used by hate mongers to fuel violence," she said.

Otungo said that the youth can help in creating sustainable democratic governance, promote tolerance and ensure peaceful co-existence among communities.

"If youth are mismanaged as is currently the case, this group dominates in perpetrating crime, creating insecurity and fueling unrest but if well trained they can be very useful to the society," she observed.