The National Counter Terrorism Centre has embarked on the process of reviewing its National Strategy to Counter Violent Extremism to address new emerging trends.
The 2016 strategy was premised on achieving two broad objectives; rallying all sectors of Kenya and driving the pool of radicalisation. The objectives were actualized through pillars such as education, psychosocial, media and online, legal and policy, faith-based and ideological, security, political, training and capacity building, and arts and culture.
The center now says the threat landscape has shifted since the launch of the 2016 strategy and to stay ahead of the enemy, it is prudent that the strategy is reviewed to respond effectively to these dynamics. “The new approach is premised on inclusivity and ensuring a secure, cohesive, resilient Kenya that rejects violent extremism,” NCTC said.
Its rallying points now are inclusivity and precision focus on women and youth.
NCTC has a draft and is conducting public participation and collecting views from all interested parties. According to the NCTC, current events have thrust Kenya to the frontline of a regional and global struggle against terrorist groups and violent extremists. The strategy had been developed through extensive collaboration, and that is owned by the full spectrum of Kenyan social, economic, and political life.
“Radicalisation at its core is an attack on the cultures and heritage of the Kenyan people. Under this pillar, the focus is on protecting and promoting Kenya’s heritage,” the draft says.
The new strategy depends on collaboration between and among citizens, communities, local and national leadership, state bodies at the national, county, and local levels, NGOs, CBOs, religious authorities, researchers, and the private sector.
“CVE needs to be driven by evidence and adapt to change as necessary. This requires that it be anchored in robust conceptual approaches and empirical research rooted in the particularities of regions, countries, and local neighborhoods and communities,” NCTC said.
Source: The Star by Cyrus Ombati