Kenya has witnessed a series of shocking homicides in recent weeks, many carried out by young people.
Just last week, a 23 year old university student in Kiambu confessed to murdering his entire family (parents, two brothers) plus a worker. The gruesome murder shocked the whole nation but investigations are still ongoing.
The young man identified as Lawrence Simon Warunge is a second year IT student at Mount Kenya University. He continued a trend of young adults conducting unexplained acts of violence, like a recent on in Kisii where a high school student stabbed two teachers.
Another student in Nyamira attempted to slash his deputy principal with a machete.
Something is obviously happening with our young people today, and it would be unfortunate if we sat down and did nothing.
Shocked by the actions of one of its own, Mount Kenya University is looking to do something. The institution has decided to establish a fully-fledged program to support the youth and tackle mental health issues head-on.
The project will be spearheaded by MKU co-founder and board member Dr Jane Nyutu, who recently graduated with a doctorate in Counselling Psychology.
She has endeavored to use her expertise and skills in solving the learners’ psychological problems, arrest indiscipline in learning institutions and help the youth cope with the effects of Covid-19 pandemic.
With the stewardship of Dr Nyutu, MKU Chairman Prof Simon Gicharu is confident the program will have a positive impact on the society and be beneficial to the university fraternity.
“I know that I have a partner who understands the youth, the education system and MKU’s vision better. I trust the PhD will give her more resolve to make the institution a better place and help students tackle this emerging giant of mental health issues,” Prof Gicharu notes.
We know there will be a lot to learn and unlearn at the beginning, but we’re more than committed to making this necessary change which is in line with our mission of providing world-class education, research and innovation for global transformation and sustainable development.
