Kenya Launches Regional Programme on Peacebuilding and Preventing Violent Extremism in East Africa

 By James Mutua 


Dr. Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Internal Security & National Administration, addressed regional and international leaders today at the launch of the Regional Programme on Peacebuilding and Preventing Violent Extremism in East Africa in Nairobi. The event, attended by officials from Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, and partners from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aimed to bolster regional cooperation and foster a more robust approach to countering violent extremism in East Africa.

A Collective Commitment to Address Violent Extremism

Dr. Omollo opened his speech by expressing gratitude to all participating countries, regional organizations, and international partners for their shared commitment to confronting violent extremism, which remains one of the most pressing security threats in the region. He noted that the launch of the program marked a significant step toward lasting peace and stability.

"Your presence here underscores the shared responsibility and collective determination to tackle one of the most pressing security threats facing our continent," said Omollo.

Kenya's Experience and Commitment to Peace

Reflecting on Kenya’s own experience, Omollo highlighted the country’s longstanding commitment to peace despite the ongoing threats of extremism. While Kenya has managed to maintain relative stability compared to many countries in the East and Horn of Africa, it has not been immune to the impact of violent extremism. Omollo cited several high-profile incidents, including the Westgate attack, the Mpeketoni massacre, the Garissa University attack, and the recent Shakahola tragedy, which have underscored the persistent threat of extremist violence in Kenya.

"The competition for natural resources and border disputes, especially in our arid and semi-arid regions, have similarly been a source of extremism. In these areas, pre-existing grievances are often exploited by extremist groups to further their agendas," Omollo stated.

Key Lessons and New Approaches to Peacebuilding

Dr. Omollo emphasized the importance of social cohesiveness and the need for peace to be willingly embraced by citizens. He stressed that peace cannot be enforced; it must be nurtured through active engagement and cooperation at all levels of society.

Kenya's peacebuilding journey has gained momentum over the past two years, particularly following the comprehensive evaluation of the country's Peacebuilding Architecture initiated by President William Ruto in March 2023. The evaluation led to the formulation of the "New Agenda for Peace," aimed at addressing emerging challenges such as violent extremism.

The new framework acknowledges existing peace mechanisms but focuses on emerging risks that contribute to radicalization and the escalation to violence. These include conflicts related to identity, exposure to extremist ideologies through online platforms, and economic disenfranchisement.

"The Peacebuilding Architecture outlines specific violent extremist risks, including conflicts related to identity and politics, exposure to extremist ideologies and sensationalist coverage through online and media platforms, as well as limited economic opportunities that push individuals towards extremist groups," Dr. Omollo explained.

Regional Cooperation and International Support

Dr. Omollo emphasized the importance of strengthening national legal and institutional frameworks, enhancing border controls, and fostering regional cooperation to effectively combat violent extremism. He also noted that these efforts require more than just local initiatives—they need sustained political will, adequate resources, and international assistance.

"We recognize that the risks we face are not unique to Kenya, but are shared globally. It is through collective security frameworks, such as those outlined in the UN Charter, that we can effectively address these threats," he stated.

Community Engagement and Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration

The Principal Secretary also highlighted the role of community-driven peace initiatives in addressing violent extremism. Kenya’s network of over 500 Peace Committees, integrating traditional dispute resolution methods and involving elders, women, youth, and inter-faith leaders, are instrumental in fostering local-level peace and resilience against extremism.

He encouraged all partners, including government bodies like the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) and the National Steering Committee on Peacebuilding and Conflict Management, to collaborate in driving the agenda for peace.




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