Isiolo launches campaign to fight radicalization

Isiolo County has launched a campaign dubbed Building Resilience Against Violent Extremism (BRAVE) aimed at fighting the radicalization of youth in the region.

At least 100 young people will undergo training and in turn sensitize others in the county.

Ahmed Set, the county coordinator for BRAVE said participants would be trained on what drives radicalization and how to counter it.

The campaign will focus on youth as they are the most vulnerable group when it comes to radicalization. Set said Muslim clerics will also be involved in the sensitization program.

The three-year programme, initiated by the Muslim community to fight extremism, also aims to create deeper awareness and vigilance among Kenyans.

Earlier this week, the United States government said radicalization and terrorism are still Kenya’s major security threats.

Speaking when he toured Old Town area and Fort Jesus in Mombasa Island, U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec said radicalization was a major challenge in the coastal city and all Kenyans need to work together to address the problem.

Godec, however, said the U.S. government was impressed by the Kenya’s effort in restoring safety in the country and especially in Mombasa.

He noted that intensified security operations and investment on security apparatus by the government was encouraging.

The US diplomat stated that following security interventions, the U.S. government lifted travel advisories against Mombasa to facilitate the region’s economic growth which mainly relies on the tourism sector.