Speaking at the 7 September launch at State House of the National Strategy to Counter Violent Extremism, President Uhuru Kenyatta spoke of the need to defend the ‘Kenyan Way of Life’. The strategy identifies Salafist ideology as the main driver of the radicalisation in Kenya, describing it as ‘the key driver of the threat’, and notes ambitions held by various radical groups in the region to establish an East African caliphate. Less attention is paid to socio-economic drivers, or the presence of Kenya Defence Forces troops in Somalia – though these are mentioned.

Current radicalisation hot-spots – according to the document – include:

• Nairobi;
• the coast in general, but especially Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi;
• and the north east, especially Isiolo County, Moyale Sub-County, and Marsabit town.

Institutions that have been identified where radicalisation is occurring include universities, religious establishments and prisons. The recent IGAD report on AlShabaab’s regional ambitions (see East Africa Politics & Security - 23.08.16) also stresses the role of prisons, and notes the role of social media in both radicalisation and organisation.

The strategy is a comprehensive one, proposing a response at national and community levels that embraces all significant institutions. However, it is weak on the security service response, making no direct reference to Kenya Defence Force (KDF) activity in Somalia, and none to action such as the mass detention of ethnic Somalis after the Westgate Shopping Centre attack in September 2013.

On the day of the strategy launch, police announced that they had seven young men in custody in Isiolo County. They had been arrested with bomb making materials, and are believed to be involved in radicalising and recruiting other youths in both Isiolo and Garissa counties.

Two days after the launch, at least one Improvised Explosive Device (IED) went off in Mandera town, located in the troubled north east. There were no fatalities and it is not clear who was being targeted. Local authorities reportedly ascribed it to Somalia based al-Shabaab fighters. It is at least the fourth incident in Mandera County this year.

Four days after the launch, three women were shot by police in what appeared to be an attempted suicide mission on the Central Police Station in Mombasa. One reportedly had a bomb vest, the second, while at the reception area, hurled a petrol bomb, and the third tried to stab an officer. The women were of Somali origin. Four arrests were made in followup operations.