- NCTC said "Jasiri observatory" which translates to "resilience observatory" will be used to sensitize, inform and empower individuals and communities to understand and respond to violent ideologues peddled by extremist groups.
- The portal was launched at Garissa University during the commemoration of the 2015 Garissa University attack that occurred nine years ago.
The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) Tuesday launched a public information portal to increase public awareness of the threat of violent extremism.
Violent extremism is emerging as a leading threat to security in the country.
NCTC said "Jasiri observatory" which translates to "resilience observatory" will be used to sensitize, inform and empower individuals and communities to understand and respond to violent ideologues peddled by extremist groups.
The portal was launched at Garissa University during the commemoration of the 2015 Garissa University attack that occurred nine years ago.
On April 2, 2015, four al Shabaab militants staged an attack at the then constituent college of Moi University and by the time the siege ended after 12 hours, 148 Kenyans lay dead.
Since the attack took place, Kenya's security agencies have also revamped their operations to better curb and prevent terrorism.
This includes the strengthening of Multi-Agency security operations between the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the formation of specialised police units at the border (SOG, QRU), and heavy investment in community-led approaches like Community Policing and Nyumba Kumi, to eliminate potential recruitment.
The agencies are also relying on among others technology to fight the plans of the terror gangs.
NCTC Director Dr Rosalind Nyawira Tuesday called on Kenyans to explore the portal to learn more about violent extremism and ways in which they can avoid falling prey to radical ideologies aimed at propagating hate, fear and violence in society.
"Violent extremism is a threat to national security. This portal empowers individuals and communities to identify and discredit violent extremist ideologies, facilitating public dialogue on the threat of violent extremism," she said.
"We want Kenyans to speak out against violent extremism through this portal hence the appellation "Jasiri" which is Kiswahili for resilience."
Nyawira said NCTC chose April 2 to launch the portal, as the day provides an opportune moment for Kenyans to reflect on the strides made towards making the country safe from terrorism and violent extremism.
The portal will act as a public repository for anyone seeking to learn about various manifestations of violent extremism.
"It will also strengthen efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism, a process that involves directly addressing the underlying drivers of terrorism using non-coercive strategies including counter-messaging, public outreach and de-radicalisation programmes," she said.
The portal will further aid in the implementation of the upcoming national strategy to counter violent extremism.
The portal can be accessed through https://jasiri.go.keFour gunmen behind the university attack were killed by Kenyan forces at the scene, while three others, Rashid Charles Mberesero, Mohamed Ali Abikar, and Hassan Edi Hassan, were convicted in court for aiding and abetting the massacre and being members of al shabaab group.
The mastermind behind the attack, Mohamed Kuno, was killed in Somalia in 2016.
Four years later, the court sentenced a militant Islamist to life in prison for his role while two others were jailed for 41 years each.