Background
In a consortium of Champions of Peace, Sharp Development Solutions Consultancy and Youth Art Development Network, we are currently working in collaboration with National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) in implementing an 18months PCVE programme in 10 Western Kenya counties: Kisumu, Siaya, Homabay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Kakamega, Bungoma, Vihiga and Busia.
The programme seeks to mobilize, organize and build competence of state and non-state actors in 10 Western Kenya counties in shrinking the pool of radicalization.
Objectives
This is being accomplished through a structured and deliberate effort in:
- Rallying and building the capacity of both state and non-state actors towards implementation and monitoring of PCVE counties.
- Empowering and engaging youths and their grassroots communities in delegitimizing Violent Extremism (VE) ideology and stifle the space exploited by VE factors.
- Consolidating comprehensive national monitoring and evaluation (M $ E) system for accountable, adaptive and suitable National Strategy for Countering Violent Extremist (NSCVE) and County Action Plan (CAPs) response.
The PCVE project which is being supported by the Netherlands Government-Foreign Affairs Ministry was launched on 8th November 2021 at Grand Royal Swiss in Kisumu; however, it started on October 2021.
Activities
The following activities have been undertaken:
- County Engagement Forums (CEF)
Champions of Peace hosted a two-day workshop on developing Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) and Terms of Reference (TOR) with County Engagement Forums (CEF) from Kisumu, Migori and Bungoma counties.
The workshop also aimed at developing a Preventing/Countering Violence Extremism (PCVE) County Action Plan.
- Preventing/Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) Launch.
Champions of Peace together with partners (YADEN, SDSC, NCTC) Launched Preventing/Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) in Western Kenya Region at Grand Royal Swiss Hotel in Kisumu.
The PCVE project was officially launched by the Nyanza Regional Commissioner, Mr Magu Mutindika alongside Kisumu County Commissioner, Mrs Josephine Ouko and National Counter Terrorism Center, Mr Njenga Miiri.
The capacity building training for Inter-Governmental agencies at the County and Sub-County levels on PCVE/County Action Plan (CAP) brought together both state and non-state actors to familiarize and mainstream the CAP in County Engagement Forums.
The Regional Commissioner emphasized on the importance of stakeholders to pull together and repulse Terrorism acts or moves. He also advised the stakeholders to take keen observation in dynamism of extremist group behavior, hence need to adjust the tackling approach.
The launched was attended by Governor's representative, Bodaboda leaders, Peace Committee members, County Directors in various departments, religious leaders, youths, civil societies.
- Training all Assistant Chiefs in Kisumu County on PCVE
Champions of Peace together with partners (YADEN, SDSC, and NCTC) facilitated a capacity building training on Preventing/Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) in Western Kenya Region at Mama Grace Onyango Social Centre in Kisumu.
The PCVE training for Inter-governmental agencies was graced by Governor's representative, Mr Godfrey Kigochi (County Secretary), Nyanza Regional Commissioner, Mr Magu Mutindika alongside Kisumu County Commissioner, Mrs Josephine Ouko and National Counter Terrorism Center, Mr Njenga Miiri.
The forum brought together all Assistant Chiefs (AC) in Kisumu County.
The Governor's representative urged the AC to work with 'Nyumba Kumi' in ensuring that the community is secured from violent extremism acts.
It's the responsibility of the administrators and other stakeholders to contain terrorism.
The Regional Commissioner also reiterated the importance of 'Nyumba Kumi' in eradicating violent extremism groups. He implored the ACs to sensitize the community on violent extremist groups.
- Training for all Chiefs, Ward Administrators and Peace Committee members in Kisumu County.
Champions of Peace together with partners (YADEN, SDSC, and NCTC) facilitated a capacity building training on Preventing/Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) in Western Kenya Region at Mama Grace Onyango Social Centre in Kisumu.
The PCVE training for Inter-governmental agencies was graced by Governor's representative, Mr Godfrey Kigochi (County Secretary), Nyanza Regional Commissioner, Mr Magu Mutindika alongside Kisumu County Commissioner, Mrs Josephine Ouko and National Counter Terrorism Center, Mr Njenga Miiri.
The forum brought together all Chiefs, Ward Administrators and Peace Committee members in Kisumu County.
The Governor's representative acknowledged the importance of PCVE training and urged the chiefs, Ward Administrators and Peace Committee members to work collectively with "Nyumba Kumi" in identifying community members and ensuring society is free from violent extremist groups.
The Regional Commissioner also urged Chiefs, Ward Administrators and Peace Committee members to be the community watchdogs and report incidents of suspected terror groups to the relevant authorities. The Chiefs were urged to cascade information on PCVE and County Action Plan (CAP) to the community through the public barazas.
- Training of Sub-County Security Intelligence Committee in Kakamega County.
Champions of Peace together with partners (YADEN, SDSC, and NCTC) facilitated a sensitization training of Sub-County security intelligence committee on terror alert, preparedness, prevention and response at Golf Hotel in Kakamega County.
Security intelligence committee was implored to build trust with the community in curbing violent extremist groups.
The County Commissioner, Mrs. Pauline Dola urged senior officers to cascade Preventing/Countering Violent Extremism messages to their junior officers for easy identification and nabbing of suspicious terror individuals within their jurisdiction.
The security officers manning state and non-state actors institutions were urged to stay alert.
The forum was also attended by a delegation from the Dutch government.