Countering Violent Extremism Through Public Participation

Abstract

With the increasing rate of international terrorism and violent extremism, many countries especially in Africa have sought to find all the possible solutions to counter violent extremism. It is for this reason that I embarked on a research study to examine and analyse the role of public participation in Counter Violent Extremism (CVE) in Kenya. I was guided by the following set of questions: What are the existing initiatives, strategies and challenges for CVE globally; what has been the role of public participation in countering violent extremism in Africa; what are the challenges and opportunities for effective public participation in countering violent extremism in Kenya. Which were used to formulate study objectives as follows: To examine the existing initiatives, strategies and challenges for countering violent extremism globally; to examine and assess the role of public participation in countering violent extremism in Africa and to establish and analyse the challenges and opportunities for effective public participation in countering violent extremism in Kenya. Relative Deprivation and Liberal theories were used as analytical tools to examine political, socioeconomic and structural conditions that predispose individuals into radicalization resulting into violent extremism. I proceeded with these set of testable indicators: There are inadequacies in the existing global counter violent extremism initiatives and strategies; public participation in countering violent extremism is a new phenomenon and exclusion from political, economic and social life increase susceptibility of individuals to radicalization in Kenya. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative methods. The study found out Kenya is among the first countries in Africa to pursue national level coordination of all CVE efforts but the aspect of public participation in CVE has been applied by NGOs, CSOs and community initiatives, with less application by government institutions. There is need for Kenya to pursue and strengthen mutually beneficial partnerships between the state, non-state actors and the community to develop and foster resilience against radicalization.The study thus, from the findings recommended on the need of building the capacity of local initiatives to design and deliver community-owned, sustainable CVE programs. The study also found the need for Kenya to enhance rehabilitation of returned fighters, constructing effective counter-narratives, developing community resilience and, especially, harnessing the power and influence of women, men and families in communities in combating extremist ideologies. The resultant synergy between the state and partners create harmony and unity of purpose leading to a coherent national strategy that combines hard and soft national power in a complementary onslaught to counter violent extremism. The researcher suggest the following areas for further research: Examining and assessing the key drivers of radicalization and violent extremism and countering violent extremism through a comprehensive framework of both state and non-state actors.