President Uhuru launches new strategy to fight extremism, terror

President Uhuru Kenyatta speaking during the launch of the National Strategy to Counter Violent Extremism [Photo:PSCU]

President Uhuru Kenyatta has launched the National Strategy to Counter Violent Extremism, which articulates Kenya’s efforts to prevent terrorism and violent extremism.

The strategy, which will be implemented by the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, will rally all sections of government, communities, civil society, the private sector and international partners in the war against terror.

President Kenyatta said the launch of the strategy comes on the back of increased investments by the Government in technology, skills and innovative approaches to countering terrorism.

“This has resulted in a sharp increase in operational tempo, coordination and equipment aimed at detecting, deterring and disrupting the activities of terrorists,” said President Kenyatta when he launched the strategy at State House, Nairobi.

President Kenyatta said the new strategy will add prevention and counter radicalization to the more traditional security approaches to fight the vice.

“I wish here to commend Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaisserry for his pioneering role in prevention and returnee reintegration efforts.  The Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government will be a primary implementation vehicle for this strategy,” said the President.

The Head of State also appointed Ambassador Martin Kimani, who heads the National Counter Terrorism Centre, as Special Envoy for Countering Violent Extremism.

The National Counter Terrorism Centre is the focal point and coordination centre for the anti-terror strategy.

“Together, in coordinated fashion, we must as a people drain the swamp of violent extremism and deny it room to radicalize Kenyans,” said the President when he launched the report during a live media briefing.

President Kenyatta said he was confident that the new strategy was a critical step in protecting and advancing liberty and prosperity of Kenyans.

“Its lessons will be visible to all, and I look forward to their being shared with the region and the world as we look to build a just and peaceful international order,” said the President.

The President was joined at the media briefing by Cabinet Secretaries Nkaissery, Amina Mohamed (Foreign Affairs), Amb Kimani, Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua among other senior Government officials.