Joseph Kanyeri, Chief Liaison Officer, Prevention and Resilience at the National Counter Terrorism Center
by Ronald Njoroge
Kenya plans to deploy whole of government and whole of society approach to counter violent extremism.
Joseph Kanyeri, Chief Liaison Officer, Prevention and Resilience at the National Counter Terrorism Center said that violent extremism is not static because it evolves. “We have learned valuable lessons since the 2016 national strategy, which we are now integrating into our new approach,” Kanyeri said during validation workshop for the upcoming National Strategy for Countering Violent Extremism, which will guide initiatives from 2024 to 2029. By fostering a whole-of-government and society response, Kenya is opening more channels for collaboration across sectors, ensuring that we engage communities, civil society, and other stakeholders. This collaborative effort is essential for effective prevention and resilience against violent extremism.Kenya’s geographical proximity to Somalia, coupled with regional instability, has left it vulnerable to cross-border terrorism, profoundly impacting local communities and the economy. In response, the Kenyan government, supported by international partners, has developed counter-terrorism strategies while simultaneously addressing the underlying causes of radicalization and the necessity for social cohesion.