“The only way to succeed in the fight against violent extremism and radicalization is through unity of purpose, “Pamoja Tusonge Mbele”. These were the words of the US Ambassador to Kenya Robert F. Godec, during the closure of a National Workshop on Countering Violent Extremism in Kenya.
The US Ambassador strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Mandera orchestrated by Al-Shabaab militants. “At the outset, on behalf of the US government, I offer my condolences to all Kenyans affected in the aftermath of the terrible terrorist attack. Our hearts go out, in particular, to the families and friends of those who were murdered or injured during the attack. My government will continue to stand with Kenya in the fight against terrorism, said Amb. Godec.
The conference co-organized by Act! and the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), with assistance from the US State Department and the Royal Danish Embassy in Nairobi, sought to establish a coherent national framework of engagement and coordination between the Government of Kenya and civil society in the fight against violent extremism in the county.
EU Ambassador to Kenya, Dr. Stefano Antonio applauded the efforts of civil society in helping Kenya achieve its development agenda. He urged them (civil society) to work with the government to counter violent extremism in Kenya. He noted that globally, terrorism is a challenge and that nations must raise to overcome it.
While acknowledging the fact that the youth are most vulnerable to extremist activities, Nikolai Hutchinson from the Department for International Development (DFID), called for development of initiatives that appeal to the youth and can stop them from being lured into joining extremist groups.
The speakers lauded the recently launched National Counter Violent Extremism Strategy by the government as the right step in winning the war against violent extremism and terrorism. They called on the government to collaborate with civil society actors including faith based institutions and the private sector in the implementation of the Strategy.
Through support from USAID and the Royal Danish Embassy in Kenya, Act! is strengthening institutional functionality and technical capacity of targeted civil society in Kenya to address conflict mitigation and violent extremism in Kenya
The workshop brought together stakeholders in the CVE sector including the civil society, government ministries and development partners.
