Government Launches Skills Program for Youths and Women to Tackle Violent Extremism

By Halima Charo

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

The government has launched a skills development and livelihood support initiative targeting 450 vulnerable youth and women in Nairobi, Kilifi, Kisumu, Isiolo and Samburu counties as part of its efforts to strengthen community resilience and prevent violent extremism.

The initiative was unveiled during the Fifth Programme Steering Committee meeting of the Peacebuilding and Preventing Violent Extremism in East Africa Programme, where the Government reaffirmed its commitment to community-led peacebuilding, social cohesion and economic empowerment.

Implemented under the Building Resilience and Community Empowerment for Peace (BRACE4PEACE) Programme, the initiative brings together the Government of Kenya, the Republic of Korea through KOICA, UNDP, technical and vocational training institutions and peacebuilding partners.

Internal security and national administration principal secretary Dr Raymond Omollo said lasting peace requires addressing the economic and social pressures that can leave communities vulnerable to crime and violent extremism.

“The focus is on strengthening community resilience, promoting social cohesion and expanding economic opportunities. These pillars must move together if we are to reduce the risks facing vulnerable communities.”

The first cohort comprises 90 participants from each of the five counties who will receive practical, market-relevant skills training through partnerships with technical and vocational institutions.

The training is expected to strengthen employability, entrepreneurship and income generation.

Training areas have been tailored to the economic potential of each county.

Participants in Nairobi will focus on digital solutions and ICT, while those in Kilifi will receive training linked to coastal tourism. Kisumu participants will focus on cage aquaculture, with beekeeping, beadwork and handicrafts forming part of the training in Isiolo and Samburu.

The PS said training alone would not be sufficient, stressing the need to connect beneficiaries to business licences, financing, mentorship, markets, digital platforms and other government programmes that can help transform acquired skills into viable enterprises.

He said community-based interventions were particularly important because criminal and extremist networks often exploit feelings of neglect, marginalisation and unresolved grievances.

“The reality is that those recruited into criminal and extremist networks are our people. In many cases, they are driven by a feeling of neglect, marginalisation or unresolved grievances. That is why community-based programmes are so important,” he said.

The Government is also strengthening its prevention strategy ahead of the 2027 General Election, including revitalising the Uwiano Platform for Peace and preparing a security deployment plan covering the period before, during and after the polls.

He warned political leaders against exploiting young people for violence, saying criminal activity would not be tolerated merely because it occurs within political competition.

“Political leaders must not take advantage of the vulnerability of young people, and our youth should not allow themselves to be misused for selfish political interests.”

According to government’s programmes such as BRACE4PEACE are intended to complement security enforcement by addressing some of the economic and social vulnerabilities that can expose young people to exploitation by criminal, extremist or political actors.