We must treat root causes of terror, not the symptoms

**Former Nominated Senator and Jubilee Senate Whip Beatrice Elachi.**

Medical science is a diverse field with a wide range of viewpoints. That is why the first request after receiving bad news is always for a second opinion. But on one thing all doctors the world over agree – treating the symptoms of a disease can never solve the problem. While it may comfort the patient and ease their suffering, it will never provide a cure. In fact, treating the symptoms alone, while ignoring the root cause of the problem, can be fatal.

On terrorism, the situation is similar and the symptoms should not be ignored. We must step up security, provide better training and funding to our counter-terror agencies, and be bold on the battlefield, striking the terrorists where they least expect it. But while these preventative measures will make the planning and execution of future attacks more difficult and through this save lives, they do not address the root of the problem. They are not the solution. For this, we must look deeper. What breeds and motivates terrorists? What helps terror groups recruit impressionable young people?

Ideology of course is crucial. Terrorism is based on a warped interpretation of Islam that seeks to turn a peace loving religion into a doctrine of hate, and turn pious young Muslims into vicious killers. This is clearly a misinterpretation of the Islamic tradition, which at its core is based on the fundamental teaching of ‘do unto others as you would have them do to you’.

This murderous ideology should be fought by all of us: Government, civil society, educational institutions and families. We must show it for what it is – a false reading of a proud and ethical religion.

But the root cause of terror goes even deeper, beyond ideology. I believe it is really about the alienation and dissatisfaction that a generation of young people feel about Kenya. The corruption. The poverty. The tribalism. The lack of opportunities.

As young Kenyans know, life is difficult. Many of us have been to university, received a good education and done everything society asks of us, but still we cannot get decent opportunities. And everywhere we look we see corruption. Jobs we are told go first to family connections, or to tribal connections, or simply to those who can pay. For the rest of us, there’s nothing.

So when you add religion into the mix, and the seemingly simple answers to these complex challenges given by extremists, you begin to understand why terror may become an attractive path for a young person who sees no other opportunities open to them. Join us, they are told, and at least you will be someone.

Fortunately, President Uhuru Kenyatta understands this, and while he is ensuring that the symptoms of the problem are being fought aggressively, he is equally treating the root cause. This is one of the reasons he is determined to stamp out corruption, with last week’s National Anti-Corruption Conference just the latest in a series of high profile moves against graft.

Few things alienate the youth more than the overt theft of our tax money and natural resources by those supposed to serve us, and it is this alienation that drives people to hopelessness, then extremism.

Similarly, the Big Four agenda can also be seen through the prism of counter-terror. Providing jobs, healthcare, food security and educational opportunities for young people gives them something to aspire to, to strive for and indeed, live for. This purpose of being is the greatest immunisation against terrorist recruiters. For when a young person has something to live for, why would they choose to die?

With Kenyans once again facing the spectre of murderous terror attacks, we should not get caught up in a short term, symptom-centred response. Yes, we should fight terrorists with all our might, but this alone will not cure the disease. Terror groups pry on the vulnerable and those with nothing to lose. We must recognise this, and give our young people opportunities and faith in the system to vaccinate them from this threat.

-The writer is former Nominated Senator and Jubilee Senate Whip