Youth empowerment is key in the fight against violent extremism

Youths cut grass in atreanch along Kisii Kiligoris road under Kazi Mtaani programme. [File, Standard]

As Kenya grapples with the persistent threat of violent extremism, youths are the centre of both the challenge and the solution. In the National Strategy to Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (NSPCVE) 2025-2030, youth engagement and empowerment are recognised as not only a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity.

However, despite this recognition and significant efforts, barriers to meaningful youth participation in preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE) persist. This in the long run threaten the long-term success of these initiatives.