This archive report was first published on 22 August 2021.
On August 22, 2021, Coast Regional Commissioner John Elungata opened a three-day Muslim leaders summit at Pine Breeze Resort in Nyali sub-county, urging scholars to tackle social problems affecting the region.
Elungata emphasized the importance of scientific research in resolving challenges such as youth gangs, violent extremism, teen pregnancies, and dwindling education standards.
He noted that the region has a rich history in education, producing scholars like Ali Manzuri and ancient libraries in Lamu, Malindi, and Mombasa.
Elungata called on coast academicians to take the lead in addressing challenges of violent extremism and terrorism, dismal education standards, and outdated cultural practices.
He highlighted the need for society to be built on sound values, with scholars shaping the thinking of society to understand and discard harmful cultural practices.
Elungata specifically mentioned practices such as disco matanga in Kilifi County, which have contributed to cases of teen pregnancies, school dropouts, and dwindling education standards.
He commended the Kenya Muslims Advisory Council for organizing the conference and challenged university academicians and Muslim religious scholars to come up with workable solutions to the mass failure of Coast public primary and secondary schools in national examinations.
Elungata also emphasized the need for local scholars to mentor students to work hard and see the importance of education, as well as to ensure they are vaccinated against Covid-19 and debunk myths surrounding the vaccines.
By Galgalo Bocha
