Veronica Musyoka: The Senior Assistant County Commissioner who is transforming community policing through youth engagement

As the country celebrates Mashujaa Day, honouring the national heroes and heroines who have shaped Kenya’s destiny, one woman stands out for her quiet yet impactful service: Veronica Musyoka, Senior Assistant County Commissioner.

Through her efforts to promote youth engagement in community policing, she has redefined grassroots security management, earning her the title of a modern-day shujaa in public service.

Veronica was born with a passion for civic empowerment, but her journey into public service was not a straightforward one.

“I never really wanted to be in security management, a core function of National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs). However, it has always been my dream to work in the public sphere,” she says. 

Having obtained a law degree from the University of Nairobi and a postgraduate diploma in mass communication, she initially aspired to use civic education to alleviate ignorance and exclusion. 

"When the opportunity came to join the newly aligned NGAO in 2015, it was godsend. I get paid to do what I love,” she adds.

Her leadership philosophy is rooted in inclusivity and flexibility. “When it comes to creating solutions, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. In community engagement, leading from behind is very helpful. It enables communities to find their own solutions through dialogue and collaboration, which leads to peace and cohesion," she explains.

It is this belief that inspired her to champion the involvement of young people in community policing structures. Recognising that young people make up the majority of the population, she saw the need to give them a voice in grassroots security networks such as Nyumba Kumi and village policing committees. 

"Excluding young people is like muzzling the very people affected by or involved in crime. They bring fresh perspectives, time and energy that are vital in solving modern security challenges," she says.

She credits the idea of involving young people to a collaborative effort involving various partners, including her superiors at county and sub-county level, chiefs, assistant chiefs and officers in the youth and social services departments. 

“It is a multi-agency approach, with both public and non-state actors working together,” she explains.

The results have been encouraging. Young people have become instrumental in providing information on crime, participating in peacebuilding initiatives and engaging in income-generating activities that prevent them from becoming idle. Through sports, arts, and social events, they now have healthy outlets for their energy and creativity.

Mechanisms are being created to ensure that their voices influence decision-making at all levels, and not just to be heard. "Grassroots networks are about creating consensus and achieving win-win outcomes," she emphasises.

Veronica’s determination to involve young people in community policing was reinforced by recent national events. "The Gen Z protests were a wake-up call. We realised there was limited youth representation across our administrative divisions, and during public barazas, the young people themselves demanded inclusion," she says.

Veronica's career has been shaped by many mentors, including Dr Abdi Hassan, the Regional Commissioner for Rift Valley, whom she credits with introducing her to the civil service. 

To Veronica, Mashujaa Day is deeply personal. It is a day to celebrate those who have dedicated their lives to serving Kenya in various capacities. 

“I have a soft spot for pioneering women in politics and leadership, such as the late Prof. Wangari Maathai and Phoebe Asiyo. Their courage paved the way for many of us,” she reflects.