This archive report was first published on 13 July 2019.
On July 15, 2019, the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres visited Kenya for the African Conference on Counter-Terrorism, where he interacted with a community in Nairobi's Kamukunji suburbs.
The community, led by the area Member of Parliament, Yusuf Hassan, had organized itself to tackle the contentious issues that had made the area a target of radicalization.
During his visit, Mr. Guterres emphasized the importance of forging partnerships with communities that have been subjected to profiling and hard-line policing.
He noted that Kenya is showing the way in pursuing cohesiveness and creating conditions where diverse people can live and respect each other, preventing manifestations of extremism.
The UN Secretary-General praised Kenya's approach, saying, "Kenya is showing the way in pursuing cohesiveness and creating conditions where diverse people and can live and respect each other and stay alive to prevent manifestations of extremism, and in this the country has the full support of the UN."
Kenya's National Counter Terrorism Centre, together with the United Nations Country Team, is working in counties and communities to develop county action plans on preventing violent extremism.
These plans are notable for their inclusive approach, their attempt to be measurable, and responsive in an effective and efficient way.
For Kamakunji, a community that has had numerous terrorist incidents, there are encouraging signs of a community coming together to work towards a common goal.
The emphasis now is on winning hearts and minds, while ensuring that the pillar of security is robust in countering violent extremism.
A fundamental pillar in the prevention of violent extremism are the youth of Africa, who will make up 830 million of the continent's population by 2050.
When youth are empowered and provided opportunities for participation, they are most likely to capitalise on their resilience constructively.
