Kenya will lead the UN-funded community-centered program of peace building and combating extremism in East Africa, Internal Security Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said during the ceremony of launching the program in Nairobi.
"Terrorism poses a grave threat not just to Kenya but to the entire region. This program is a step towards creating a safer, more secure future," Omollo said. "Providing alternative livelihoods for the youth will reduce their vulnerability to recruitment by extremist groups."
According to local media, the initiative is funded by the Korean International Cooperation Agency and the United Nations Development Programme; its implementation costs Sh2.3 billion (over $17 million).
Omollo added that the program will be implemented in Somalia and South Sudan. He said that more than 500 community peace building committees will be created to establish and strengthen contacts between the civilians and security agencies.
The Internal Security principal secretary noted that terrorism poses a serious threat to the country's security and recalled the Shakahola massacre, when 429 people died. In April 2023, numerous graves were discovered in the Shakahola forest near Malindi, located in the eastern part of the country. Authorities disclosed that the deceased were followers of the Good News International Church, led by Paul Mackenzie, who instructed his adherents to starve themselves in order to reach heaven.