The Government has launched a skills-development and livelihood-support programme targeting 450 vulnerable youth and women in Nairobi, Kilifi, Kisumu, Isiolo and Samburu counties as part of efforts to strengthen community resilience and prevent violent extremism.
The initiative was unveiled during the Fifth Programme Steering Committee meeting of the Peacebuilding and Preventing Violent Extremism in East Africa Programme, where the Government reaffirmed its commitment to community-led peacebuilding, social cohesion and economic empowerment. The programme is being implemented under the Building Resilience and Community Empowerment for Peace (BRACE4PEACE) initiative. It brings together the Government of Kenya, the Government of the Republic of Korea through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), technical and vocational institutions, and peacebuilding partners. In Kenya, the programme is led by the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration in collaboration with the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), the National Steering Committee on Peacebuilding and Conflict Management, the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya and other institutions. The programme targets 450 vulnerable youth and women across five counties. It is being implemented under the BRACE4PEACE initiative with support from KOICA, UNDP and technical training institutions.
Speaking at the launch, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo said sustainable peace and security could not be achieved without addressing the social and economic challenges facing vulnerable communities.
“The focus is on strengthening community resilience, promoting social cohesion and expanding economic opportunities. These pillars must move together if we are to reduce the risks facing vulnerable communities,” Dr Omollo said.
The first cohort comprises 90 participants from each of the five counties. Through partnerships with technical and vocational education institutions, beneficiaries will receive practical training aimed at improving employability, entrepreneurship and income generation. The training has been tailored to local economic opportunities. Participants in Nairobi will receive training in digital solutions and ICT, those in Kilifi in coastal tourism, Kisumu beneficiaries in cage aquaculture, while participants in Isiolo and Samburu will be trained in beekeeping, beadwork and handicrafts. The first cohort includes 90 participants from each county. Training areas include ICT, tourism, aquaculture, beekeeping and handicrafts, depending on local economic potential.
Dr Omollo said the programme would go beyond training by linking beneficiaries to business licences, financing, mentorship, markets, digital platforms and other national and county government initiatives. He noted that the programme complements broader youth empowerment interventions such as the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement Programme.
He said communities across Kenya continued to face pressures arising from environmental shocks, competition over scarce resources, socioeconomic marginalisation, terrorism and the misuse of digital platforms, and that prevention efforts must be tailored to local realities.
“The reality is that those recruited into criminal and extremist networks are our people. In many cases, they are driven by a feeling of neglect, marginalisation or unresolved grievances. That is why community-based programmes are so important,” Dr Omollo said.
The Principal Secretary also called for greater investment in digital literacy and responsible technology use among young people and community institutions, warning that online platforms were increasingly being used to spread misinformation and extremist narratives.
He further urged national and county governments, religious leaders, civil society, development partners, the private sector and young people to adopt a whole-of-society approach in addressing violent extremism.
On preparations for the 2027 General Election, Dr Omollo said the Government had developed a comprehensive security strategy to ensure peaceful political participation.
“We have an elaborate strategic plan that will guide our security deployment before, during and after the elections. Our objective is to ensure that Kenyans can participate in the electoral process peacefully and that every political contestant can present their ideas without intimidation or violence,” he said.
The Government and its partners are also revitalising the Uwiano Platform for Peace to support conflict prevention, early warning and public engagement ahead of the polls.
Dr Omollo warned against the exploitation of young people for political violence, saying criminal conduct would not be tolerated regardless of political affiliation.
“Any criminal act related to politics or political contestation will not be tolerated. Political leaders must not take advantage of the vulnerability of young people, and our youth should not allow themselves to be misused for selfish political interests,” he said.
He appealed for political tolerance and peaceful coexistence, adding: “We must develop a culture of tolerance. People will have different opinions because that is what democracy allows. Everyone should be free to canvass their ideas without intimidation and without resorting to violence.”
The Steering Committee meeting reviewed ongoing interventions on national cohesion, civic education, conflict prevention and public engagement. Those present included NCIC Chairperson Bishop Dr Kepha Nyamweya Omae, UNDP Kenya Deputy Resident Representative for Programmes Madelena Monoja, KOICA Deputy Country Director Jooyoung Baek and other government and development partners.
Read: Kenyan Youth Optimism Could Drive Long-term Growth, Says Duke University Professor
>>> PS Omollo Unveils Enterprise Support Plan For Nearly 600 Homa Bay Youth Groups
Leave a comment