This archive report was first published on 14 July 2020.
July 14, 2020, marked a significant milestone in Kenya's fight against COVID-19 as the government lifted movement restrictions. While this easing of restrictions has raised hope for economic recovery, it also poses a significant risk of a surge in infections if citizens become complacent in adhering to health guidelines.
According to recent data, COVID-19 is spreading fast in the country, with over 250 people testing positive daily. Although this number may seem manageable compared to countries like the US, which has recently recorded up to 45,000 new infections in a single day, it's essential to note that Kenya has yet to test the vast majority of its population. As more Kenyans are tested, the situation is likely to change dramatically.
It's imperative that citizens continue to practice social distancing, wear face masks, and observe hand hygiene. Additionally, concerted action is needed to curb the community spread of the disease, including aggressive public awareness and mobilization.
However, interventions at the community level should not only focus on keeping everyone safe from COVID-19 but also from crime and insecurity. The pandemic has had debilitating socio-economic consequences, including job losses, a rise in domestic violence, an explosion in teenage pregnancies, and mental stress. If left unaddressed, this dire situation may exacerbate crime and insecurity, particularly in vulnerable communities that are susceptible to extremism.
Nairobi, Mombasa, and Mandera counties, where the movement restrictions were lifted, have experienced terror attacks in the past. The threat is real not just in these counties but across the country. For instance, the DCI's Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) and Special Services Unit (SSU) recently arrested two terror suspects and recovered explosives and assorted bomb-making items in Kapseret Sub-County, UasinGishu County.
Preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE) should be prioritized alongside COVID-19 preventive health measures. Crafting strategies to tackle factors fueling insecurity in our communities is crucial. Providing economic opportunities during these difficult times is one way of taming insecurity. The 'Kazi Mashinani' program, targeting 270,000 youth across the country, is a good example. Other social interventions, including weekly stipends to the vulnerable, InuaJamii program, food rations, and other forms of humanitarian relief through the Kenya COVID-19 Fund, should be enhanced.
Building community resilience to radicalization and recruitment to violent extremism requires active engagement of various grassroots actors, mainly youth. This is key to PCVE success and rallying communities to stop the spread of COVID-19. In Nairobi's Pumwani area, a group fighting violent extremism is facing challenges due to reduced business and mysterious fire outbreaks in the adjacent Gikomba market. This highlights the direct link between COVID-19 and extremism.
To effectively address security-related challenges due to the pandemic, county authorities and community health workers should work closely with law enforcement agencies to identify terror-related activities. Community policing under the Nyumba Kumi initiative can help identify families affected by COVID-19 social and economic shocks and deliver appropriate responses. Promoting a culture of civic discipline among our people will not only ensure continued adherence to public health guidelines but also reinforce law and order in our villages, towns, and cities.
We should be vigilant against the two enemies: the invisible one wreaking havoc on our health and the other one living amongst us, preparing to unleash terror. Both can be defeated if we all exercise individual responsibility to protect ourselves and others.
Winning the war against the coronavirus should be accompanied by gains in preventing and countering violent extremism at the local and community level. That way, we shall emerge as a stronger and safer country when COVID-19 is finally behind us.
