As the world observes the International Day of Prevention of Violent Extremism Conducive to Terrorism, Kenyans have been urged to be vigilant.
The United Nations General Assembly (in its resolution 77/243) declared 12 February the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism (PVE day).
This day serves as a reminder of the need to confront the risks posed by violent extremism and to strengthen international cooperation.
The National Counter Terrorism Center has urged Kenyans to guard against attempts to sow discord to justify extremist violence, terrorism and other threats to national security.
"While the State has the primary responsibility of fighting terrorism, the whole society must reject violent extremism, the seed out of which terrorism germinates, from taking root in our social bedrock," NCTC wrote.
To protect Kenya's social and democratic fabric from the scourge of violent extremism, NCTC has issued a call to action for all Kenyans to actively promote peaceful coexistence and tolerance within their communities.
"Kenya has in the past been impacted by violent extremism manifesting through acts of terrorism. Today is a day to reflect on ways to prevent the spread of radical ideologies that preach intolerance, hate and violence in our society," NCTC said in a press release dated February 12, 2024.
NTC also discouraged the recruiting of terrorist extremists, urging parents and guardians to be vigilant against online recruiting of minors.
As Kenyans commemorate the event, the NCTC also notes that Kenya has actively engaged with regional and international partners to strengthen prevention and counter-violent extremism measures, positioning itself as a leading beacon in the Global South.
Among the milestones cited is that; there is now greater public awareness of the dangers of radicalisation, with parents, teachers and caregivers being sensitized on how to look out for online recruitment of children and youth by terrorist networks.
