The document discusses the threat of violent extremism (VE) in Kenya, particularly in coastal regions. It notes that VE is a complex issue with social, political, and economic drivers rather than purely religious causes. A multi-pronged approach is needed involving security measures, community engagement, and addressing root causes. The framework involves prevention to build resilience, intervention for individuals, and interdiction for security. Collaboration is important between government, civil society, and communities to counter VE through inclusive development, democratic participation, and building national identity.

2. Community
CSOs
Government

3.  The threat posed by VE groups has grown substantially across Kenya
 The Coastal region (Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Malindi, Lamu ) in particular has been a
hot bed for VE and radicalization activities
 Violent Extremism poses as a threat now targeting youths in universities and
colleges
 Extremist have also started calculating their moves on women and girls through
internet, mainstream, and social media for communication and recruitment
 VEOs target new converts away from the traditional Muslim areas – (Coast and North
Eastern)
 VE is not a religious conflict but a mix of social unrest, Political, Ideological beliefs,
historical injustices , hatred and many more.
 Fighting VE is complex and not a one day affair; requires concerted action beyond
law enforcement, military or security measures
 The impact of VE is massive: - loss of lives and economy slowdown etc

4.  Since 2011 there has been an upsurge of terror attacks;- waste gate, Garisa
University, Mpeketoni etc . These particular incidents represents only three of
many examples of (VE) in Kenya
 Al-shabaab has shaped our image on VE and the ongoing debate on how to
address it.
 Estimates in 2014 placed the figure of Kenyan youths at around 25% of Al-
Shabaab's total forces ; an enemy within
 Currently, the major concern in the field of CVE is how to disengage,
deradicalize and reintegrate returnees back into the mainstream population
 The state has the obligation and primary responsibility to prevent VE;
(Operation Linda Nchi, Usalama watch etc)
 However, the state needs to draw a different approach and more on the
support of CSOs dealing with CVE in the country

5.  The framework consists of three pillars: Prevention, Intervention, and
Interdiction
 They all aim to meet community needs
 Prevention- Aims to build resilient communities : They are efforts driven
by the community and supported by government E.g. Community
Policing
 Intervention-Focuses on individual needs.
 Interdiction-Addresses security and community safety risks. (i.e.
investigation, arrest, and potential prosecution)
CVE
Prevention
Intervention
Interdiction

6. The CVE framework is designed to address a broad spectrum of extremist
ideologies that promote violence and criminal activities
 A core premise of the Framework is that resilient communities are the
foundation for a strong defense against all forms of VE.
 Intends to build trust and develop strategies that bring about
collaboration between the “government” and “community”
 There has been foundational work undertaken by academic institutions
and CSOs in building healthy and resilient communities.

7. Resilient Community
Community
and CSO
involvemen
t
Building
networks
Expanding
engagement

8.  There is need for a more comprehensive and co-operative approach
 Securitization of issues – cannot be the only approach. It can be
counter productive
 The need to start dealing with the structural causes of the social
context that allows for radicalization and violent extremism to
flourish
 Multi-stakeholder co-operation at all levels in order to meet
security threats and challenges
 “Promoting police-public partnerships/community policing
"cannot be limited to law enforcement responses in order to
mitigate the threat of terrorism to the maximum extent possible in
the long term.

9.  Unequal and inequitable access to resources and development
 Youth unemployment, economic and social stagnation, income
inequalities and a sense of sheer hopelessness
 Land

10.  By entrenching democratic participation
 Entrenching human rights
 Mainstreaming principles of equal and equitable access to
resources and development
 The establishment of the equilisation fund as a means of
addressing past injustices and marginalization

11.  To counter VE we need to Build Nationalism.
 Forge a common history, common language, common ethnicity.
 Foster collaboration between community, Government and CSOs
 Increase access to additional resources, grants, etc to facilitate and
support community-driven initiatives.
 Develop capacity for enhanced social media influence, at
community-based level
 Enhancing civic engagement that reaches more grassroots
community members and not just community leaders.