VIOLENT EXTREMISM IN KENYA: Research Contribution Towards Innovative Solutions
By Prof. Dr. Halimu Shauri
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
On behalf of my fellow great scientists and authors, I take this opportunity to bring to the world of intellectualism the product of research on Countering Violent Extremism [CVE] in Kenya.
It should be remembered that the two regions of the country that were really infiltrated by this challenge were the Coast and North Eastern.
As researchers from the Coastal region, we deliberated on the challenge which was very hot then even to speak about it.
People would speak in low tones when discussing the challenge and how many youth had been recruited into terror groups.
Because scientists begin from understanding the cause of a problem, that was the concensus among us to invest in research with a view of recommending innovative and inclusive solutions to the challenges of violent extremism [VE].
Accordingly, we ventured into several research studies in the region. We literally focused on understanding all the stakeholders in the subject.
From bystanders to active participants, we collected and collated information. Together as intellectuals we analyse our theses, antitheses and synthesised our data into a beautiful book that I am proud to unvel here on behalf of the team of authors.
I must say, this was one of the greatest win to the country’s efforts on CVE in the Coast and Kenya. Indeed,
“Understanding a challenge is the nearest space to finding a solution to the challenge”.
Indeed, out of the studies documented in the book were born the innovative solutions to CVE in Kenya.
Precisely, the output from these studies were the moot point for the National Strategy to Counter Violent Extremism in Kenya.
Further, the first generation County Action Plans for CVE were developed and launched. These action plans were later recommended by President Kenyatta for all the 47 counties and yes, Rapid Action Plans to CVE were developed across all counties in the republic.
The county action plans were followed by another significant innovation in CVE through the formation of County Countering Violent Extremism Forums or County CVE forums.
These are innovative safe spaces for stakeholders in CVE to caucus, discuss achievements and challenges and way forward in CVE work in every county.
The ideas for counter radicalisation narratives, amnesty effectiveness and rehabilitation and social reintegration of returnees or defectors were also mooted out of these studies.
Thus,
“the book is a testimony of the efforts of researchers to consolidate a scientific approach to the mitigation of the challenge of violent extremism.”
Finally, I want to thank many stakeholders mentioned in the book for their support, partnership, and contributions that made this resource on CVE a possibility.
Grab your copy and appraise yourself on the Genesis, Impact and Responses to radicalisation and VE in Kenya.
Prof. Dr. Halimu Shauri
DEAN & CONSULTANT SOCIOLOGIST
PWANI UNIVERSITY
