State and non-state actors have called for the active involvement of Kenyan youth in countering violent extremism through economic empowerment and policy reforms.
Speaking during a high-level policy dialogue on the implementation of the National Strategy for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (NSPCVE) 2025-2030, stakeholders emphasized that radicalization thrives on socio-economic vulnerabilities such as unemployment and poverty.
The forum, organized by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in partnership with Sharp Development Solutions (SDS), YADEN East Africa, Champions of Peace – Kenya, and Grassroots Impact Advisors, was supported by the Embassy of the Netherlands. It focused on strengthening youth engagement and addressing marginalization as key strategies in preventing violent extremism.
NCTC Chief Liaison Officer Colonel Emmanuel Chirchir highlighted the importance of inclusivity in the new counterterrorism strategy, emphasizing that youth should not only be beneficiaries but active participants in national security efforts.”We just concluded the previous strategy, and one of the major lessons learned is the need for inclusivity. Extremist groups prey on youth vulnerabilities, and we must engage them meaningfully to prevent radicalization before it escalates into violent extremism,” said Chirchir.
Kenya has made progress in countering terrorism, largely through security-led efforts. However, Chirchir noted that addressing root causes such as economic hardship, lack of access to education, and social marginalization is equally important.
Rahab Wangari from SDS Consulting stressed the importance of integrating government economic programs to support young people. Initiatives such as Kazi Mtaani, Ajira Digital, and the Youth Enterprise Development Fund were identified as tools that, if well-coordinated, could provide sustainable livelihoods and reduce the risk of radicalization.”Beyond just having programs, we need to ensure they are accessible to all youth, including young mothers, those in informal sectors, and hard-to-reach groups. Economic empowerment is key to building resilience,” Wangari stated.
The dialogue also acknowledged the role of county governments in implementing the strategy at the grassroots level through County Engagement Forums. These forums facilitate youth education on radicalization risks and provide skills training to enhance economic opportunities.
Development partners, including the Embassy of the Netherlands, pledged continued support for Kenya’s counterterrorism efforts. While funding for youth programs exists, stakeholders emphasized the need for better coordination between donors, government agencies, and civil society to maximize impact.”The government has the largest budget for youth programs. Our role is to ensure that policies align with the real needs on the ground and that youth can easily access these opportunities,” added Wangari.
Although the NSPCVE 2025-2030 is already in motion, final approval by the Head of State is pending. However, county commissioners and relevant agencies have been briefed on the strategy, and implementation has begun.”The war on terrorism cannot be won by security forces alone. It requires a whole-of-society approach.
By empowering youth economically and socially, we can prevent them from being exploited by extremists,” added Chirchir.The forum marked a significant step in ensuring that young people play an active role in securing Kenya’s future.
Stakeholders agreed to continue discussions and refine strategies to ensure sustainable youth engagement in preventing and countering violent extremism.
