Kenya’s CSOs on top gear to prevent violent Extremism

enya is one of the most improved Country among the African nations in taming youth radicalization, terrorism and violent extremism. Through the Security law amendment of 2014, Kenya established the National Counterterrorism center (NCTC) which collaborates with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) through strategic partnerships to address matters related to violent extremism. The threat of violent extremism is not a new phenomenon in the Greater Horn of Africa. For decades, terror groups, including al-Qaida and al-Shabaab, have peddled hate-filled ideology to recruit new followers and to justify devastating attacks that have taken the lives of innocent people, often as they have gathered in public places such as local markets, shopping malls, hotels, and buses.

A wide range of pull and push factors including abject poverty and social marginalization, compromised and inaccessible social services, alarming rates of youth unemployment, increased state corruption, radical peer pressure and monetary incentives still remain the most predominant predisposing drivers to youth radicalization and violent extremism (VE) in Kenya and the rest of Africa.Nothing tears down the economy and developmental initiatives of a country like violent extremism. It undermines the peace and cohesion among the people, which further leads to retrogressive progress in Societies. In this era, the role played by the government agencies requires an integrated approach to effectively address the ‘sin problem’ of violent extremism.

Eastleighwood in partnership with other Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) with shared goals including I Choose Life Africa, WOKIKE, DOCUBOX, and SOWED-Kenya have increased vigilance on issues of violent extremism through Youth-based-Media approaches under Jiongoze Initiative, targeting to reach over 6,000 young people in Nairobi and Garissa Counties. The extension of this partnership to both local and national government level, the business communities, women and youth groups, research-based institutions among other key gatekeepers within Kamukunji, Kibra, Garissa township and Hulugho has pinned youth education and empowerment on top gear to promote resilient communities to violent extremism through online and offline awareness campaigns, Radio-and TV-based show programs, publications and informal trainings.