Extremists preying on youth’s vulnerability for recruitment - NCTC

Extremist groups have adapted tactics preying on the vulnerabilities of youth in society.

The National Counter Terrorism Centre  (NCTC) says the vulnerabilities include lack of jobs, marginalisation and poverty in many societies, a meeting on counterterrorism was told.

Participants of a meeting to discuss the implementation of the National Strategy to Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (NSPCVE) 2025-2030 in practice were told Kenya, like many nations globally, continues to grapple with the evolving and persistent threat of violent extremism.

NCTC's director Kibiego Kigen said economic hardship, marginalisation, and lack of education opportunities among other factors had made the youth vulnerable and the government has already adopted a multi-pronged approach to build and enhance their resilience.

“Over the years, extremist groups have adapted tactics preying on the vulnerabilities of the youth. This reality underscores the urgency for more coordinated and inclusive approaches in the preventing and countering violent extremism sector to countering these threats,” he said.

“The challenges require a multi-stakeholder approach that would build resilience against the lure of the extremists.”

In a speech read on his behalf by Colonel Emmanuel Chirchir, the director said by prioritising youth engagement and empowerment, the strategy acknowledges the unique position young people occupy in Kenya’s social and economic fabric.

“The countrywide dialogue provides an opportunity to address these gaps and strengthen the collective response. The successful implementation of the strategy requires a rallying call to all stakeholders to join hands,” he said.

He also said the youth should be empowered as agents of change rather than exploited as instruments of destruction. The meeting focused on youth engagement and marginalization in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism in Kenya.

The group was informed that over the years, extremist groups have adapted tactics preying on the vulnerabilities of our youth. This reality underscores the urgency for more coordinated and inclusive approaches in the PCVE Sector to counter these threats.

The dialogue is spearheaded by the National Counter Terrorism Centre in conjunction with Sharp Development Solutions (SDS) and Yaden East Africa with the support of the Embassy of the Netherlands.

NCTC officials said NSPCVE, which was launched in 2016 and updated in 2024, reflects the government's commitment to comprehensively address violent extremism.

“By prioritizing youth engagement and empowerment, the strategy acknowledges the unique position young people occupy in Kenya's social and economic fabric.”

The dialogue was among others to provide an opportunity to address the gaps identified and strengthen the collective response. “The successful implementation of the NSPCVE 2025-2030 requires a rallying call to all stakeholders to join hands in addressing threats posed by Violent Extremists.”

The group came up with actionable recommendations that will strengthen the implementation of NSPCVE 2025- 2030.

The group was told to foster a Kenya where young people are empowered as agents of change rather than exploited as instruments of destruction.

Among others, the meeting sought to address the pressing challenges hindering meaningful youth participation in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE).

It will also identify policy and structural barriers preventing meaningful youth participation and explore strategies for fostering inclusive and sustainable PCVE efforts to inform Kenya’s PCVE efforts.

The meeting also discussed the recent reduction in funding in the war on terror at large and agreed proper planning would help bridge the gaps. Kenya continues to fight violent extremism and terrorism at large. As part of the multi-pronged approach, counties have also developed laws to prevent violent extremism and radicalization within their departments and protect vulnerable people from radicalization and recruitment. The laws, based on the unique security challenges, will establish county institutions to provide linkages between national law enforcement agencies and community structures in the prevention of violent extremism in the respective counties. Internal Security Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo said the Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) Model Bill is a framework that provides counties with the tools to effectively integrate prevention strategies into their governance structures. There are diverse manifestations of violent extremism, including banditry rooted in cultural practices, which has fueled inter-community violence, and the Shakahola tragedy, which exposed the evolving nature of extremist ideologies. The government is also enhancing community-driven and culturally sensitive approaches and also adopted softer approaches that include the involvement of youth and religious leaders. The softer approaches said to be preventive and proactive, will involve the use of religious leaders to offer counter-narratives that debunk misinformation about extremism. NCTC has also prioritized rehabilitation over retribution and has changed how it addresses violent extremism. Sharp Development Solutions (SDS) director Rahab Wangari said the youth will also be involved in government projects including the Ajira program.

Currently, the Kenyan youth working under the National Climate Resilience Programme are working on activities aimed at eliminating the illegal dumping of solid waste and discharge of effluent in urban areas to build climate resilience and restore natural ecosystems. The programme, commonly referred to as Climate WorX, integrates the young people into the national climate agenda, and leverages labour-intensive projects to extend job opportunities to the vulnerable youth.