A recent study by the National Crime Research Centre (NCRC) has found that most programmes aimed at preventing violent extremism in Kenya operate independently of County Action Plans (CAPs). The study, which examined CAPs across 11 Kenyan counties, revealed that few initiatives specifically target women, who are often treated as beneficiaries of broader activities. This disconnect limits the impact of these programmes and their ability to address gender-responsive efforts.
The study identified media campaigns, education and awareness sessions held in trusted community forums, school-based programmes, and interfaith initiatives as effective in reaching women and countering extremist narratives. These programmes have shown positive outcomes in preventing women's radicalisation. However, economic empowerment schemes such as Kazi Mtaani, the Women Enterprise Fund, and the Youth Enterprise Development Fund face challenges due to unreliable funding and donor dependence.
Psychosocial support programmes have also yielded benefits for vulnerable individuals. However, limited professional capacity and funding gaps threaten their long-term impact. In contrast, political engagement and law-enforcement-led approaches, particularly the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit's threat-based tactics, were deemed ineffective and eroded community trust. These findings highlight the need for a more effective approach to preventing violent extremism.
The report attributes the weak linkage between programmes and CAPs to poor dissemination, low awareness among grassroots implementers, and limited county ownership of the plans. The lack of gender-disaggregated data further impedes assessment of women's participation in these programmes. Inadequate monitoring, evaluation, and funding keep CAPs as largely symbolic documents rather than operational frameworks.
The NCRC study urges both national and county governments to allocate sustainable financing for CAPs through county development plans. It also recommends embedding gender-responsive and P/CVE measures into ward-level planning and education systems. This would help ensure that CAPs are effective in preventing violent extremism and addressing the needs of women and other vulnerable groups.
The study also calls for enhanced monitoring, evaluation, and information-sharing mechanisms. Regular alignment of CAPs with the National Strategy to Counter Violent Extremism is necessary to ensure a cohesive approach to preventing violent extremism. Furthermore, the report highlights the need to include emerging threats such as online radicalisation and mental-health challenges in CAPs.
The findings of the study have significant implications for the development of effective programmes to prevent violent extremism in Kenya. By addressing the disconnect between programmes and CAPs, the government can ensure that efforts to prevent violent extremism are effective, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of all Kenyans. The study's recommendations provide a roadmap for strengthening CAPs and preventing violent extremism.
Key points
- Most programmes to curb violent extremism operate outside County Action Plans, limiting impact and gender-responsive efforts.
- Effective programmes include media campaigns, education and awareness sessions, school-based programmes, and interfaith initiatives.
- Recommendations include allocating sustainable financing for CAPs and embedding gender-responsive measures into ward-level planning and education systems.
