Kenya is intensifying its fight against terrorism by combining military might with soft power strategies aimed at countering radicalisation and violent extremism. The country is employing a multi-pronged approach that not only targets terror networks but also focuses on disengagement, deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration (DDRR) of radicalised individuals.
Speaking during the Global Counter Terrorism Forum’s East Africa Working Group in Nairobi, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) Director Kibiego Kigen emphasized the importance of complementing military operations with softer, community-based interventions. “Military action alone cannot defeat terrorism. We must use religious leaders, economic empowerment, and education to counter extremist narratives,” Kigen said.
Kenya’s efforts include targeted military strikes to dismantle terror cells and eliminate key figures, while simultaneously strengthening local resilience through community engagement. The NCTC also runs a programme that enables radicalised individuals to disengage from violence and reintegrate into society, focusing on self-awareness and positive communication.
Kigen highlighted the vulnerability of youth, driven by economic hardship, marginalisation, and lack of opportunities, making them prime targets for extremist recruitment. In response, the government has adopted inclusive policies to empower young people and position them as agents of peace rather than instruments of destruction.
The forum also included representatives from Kuwait, a key partner in global counterterrorism efforts. Kuwait’s Deputy Assistant Foreign Minister Mohammed Al Roumi commended the programme’s emphasis on regional collaboration and knowledge sharing, noting that over 1,200 foreign terrorist fighters and their families have been repatriated through Kuwait since 2018.
In 2024, Kenya revamped its counter-extremism framework by launching the National Strategy for Countering and Preventing Violent Extremism (NSPCVE), focusing heavily on youth inclusion and grassroots interventions.
Additionally, the government is finalising a Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) Model Bill, which will empower counties to take active roles in preventing radicalisation and enhancing local governance structures.
Through coordinated military, diplomatic, and community-based strategies, Kenya aims to build a resilient society capable of resisting and overcoming the threats of terrorism.
