NCTC Embarks on process of Reviewing National Strategy to Counter Violent Extremism

Nairobi,

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

KNA by Bernadette Khaduli

The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) has embarked on the process of reviewing the National Strategy to Counter Violent Extremism (NSVE) document published in 2016, to enable the country to have a strong document that can prevent and counter all form of terrorism.

The NCTC Head of Prevention and Resilience Mr. Njenga Miiri said due to the evolving nature of terrorism and violent extremism, the government has deemed it fit to review the current document by harmonizing and synergizing views regarding prevention from different actors among them security, departments, private sectors, civil society organizations, members of the public and the media.

“Inclusivity and the multi-agency approach will enable us to improve the document going by the experience in the seven years we have been using it,” he said, adding that the country is determined to address both domestic and transnational terrorism.

He stated, “most of the attacks that have happened in Kenya have actually had an angle that is internationally driven by aspects outside this country,” saying that even though some of the activities are happening outside the country, the government will continue to factor them and come up with strategies that address the global space.

He expressed confidence that through the multi-agency approach, Kenya will drain the pool and deny the violent extremists the space to radicalize and recruit within the country.

Mr. Miiri was speaking on Monday to stakeholders who had gathered in Nairobi to Review the ‘National Strategy to Counter Violent Extremism’, document that been in use for seven years.

The participants who were drawn from Nairobi, Narok, Machakos, Muranga, Kajiado and Kiambu counties included government officers, non-state actors, civil society organizations, religious leaders and the private sector.

The Head of Prevention and Resilience said NCTC aims to capture the necessary information regarding violent extremism and terrorism acts in all the counties to enable it produce a document that reflects on the ideas brought forward.

Mr. Miiri announced that the information that will be published in the new document will enrich the citizenry’s knowledge besides making them be more alert of their environments.

“We have used the current document for seven years, it is now time to look at what has worked, and change what has not worked,” said Mr. Miiri.

He said for Kenya to avoid devastating effects it has to be ahead of the enemy by being dynamic, adoptive and responsive and exuded confidence that the country is in the right trajectory.

Mr. Miiri said stakeholders and members of the public views and feedback was crucial as they will help to fight radicalization, violence extremism, indoctrination, terrorism and recruitment.

He at the same time called on members of the public to denounce negative propaganda being perpetrated by terrorists in form of religion, and urged counties to use their County Action Plans to sensitize communities on how to counter acts of violence extremism and terrorism.

Mr. Miiri at the same time said that NCTC has also put in place a programme targeting universities who have not been spared by violent extremisms who have been radicalizing and recruiting students and even attacking the institutions.  

He said the government does not profile any religion, mentioning that those who use religion to perpetrate acts of terrorism were in pursuit of other interests and not religion.

“Those using acts to terrorism exploit the ignorance of the people using religion,” he stated, adding that Ministries, Departments and Agencies have been able to work out strategies that curb exploitation.

In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Eastleigh Business District Association Mohamed Adan Osman said there is need for the youth to be sensitized on the importance of cohesion and patriotism, since the two are key in safeguarding security.

NCTC is an Inter-Agency body established by the Prevention and Terrorism Act to coordinate national counter-terrorism efforts that detect, deter and disrupt acts of terrorism.

Courtesy; KNA