Efforts to strengthen community resilience against violent extremism took a significant step forward in Kitui County, where the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) participated in a three-day County Engagement Forum bringing together more than 40 stakeholders. The forum reviewed and remodelled the County Action Plan in alignment with Kenya’s National Strategy for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (NSPCVE) 2025–2030, with a strong focus on inclusion, equality and community-centred prevention approaches targeting social vulnerability and emerging threats to cohesion.
The engagement underscored the role of exclusion, marginalisation, inequality, unemployment, hate speech and limited access to opportunities as key drivers of vulnerability to exploitation and radicalisation. Stakeholders noted that addressing these structural challenges is central to preventing violent extremism and strengthening long-term social cohesion within communities. The discussions emphasised that sustainable prevention requires approaches that go beyond security responses to include social and economic inclusion. The Commission’s participation ensured that equality and inclusion priorities were integrated into the revised County Action Plan.
The forum strengthened representation of minority and marginalised communities, including pastoralist and Muslim groups, in peacebuilding and prevention processes. Participants emphasised that inclusive engagement is essential in addressing grievances and strengthening trust between communities and institutions. The discussions reinforced the need for development and security strategies that reflect Kenya’s social and cultural diversity.
Gender-responsive strategies were highlighted through the Kina Mama and Male Mentors Working Groups, which focused on addressing the distinct vulnerabilities faced by women, girls, boys and men. Stakeholders noted that gender-sensitive approaches are critical in understanding how different groups experience risk and resilience within communities. The engagement also reinforced the importance of community-based prevention mechanisms in advancing sustainable peace.
Stakeholders also responded to growing concerns over hate speech, polarisation and divisive narratives within communities. Measures were adopted to promote responsible communication, social accountability and peaceful coexistence. These included the development of a code of conduct for vernacular radio presenters and the establishment of local monitoring mechanisms to curb the spread of harmful messaging. The Kitui County Engagement Forum marked a key step in aligning local strategies with Kenya’s national framework for preventing and countering violent extremism. Stakeholders emphasised that addressing inequality, exclusion and marginalisation is essential to reducing vulnerability and strengthening resilience.
