Date: Tue, 15 Mar 2016 19:34:29 +0100
Radicalization and Terrorist Recruitment among Kenya's Youth
With little chance of getting an education or a job, observes Sirkku Hellsten, young slum dwellers in Kenya are easy prey for terrorist recruiters from al-Shabaab and ISIS. To prevent further radicalization, Nairobi needs to accomplish five tasks, including fighting corruption and avoiding its own brand of state terrorism.
By Sirkku Hellsten for Nordic Africa Institute (NAI)
15 March 2016
With little chance of getting any education or jobs, young slum dwellers in Kenya are easy prey for terrorist recruiters from al-Shabaab and ISIS. Politicians must therefore address the social development of poor neighbourhoods and specifically target the youth. Equally important in order to prevent further radicalisation, this policy note argues, is the fight against corruption.
The radicalisation of youths and their recruitment for violent and illegal activities is not new to Kenya. Criminal gangs, ethnic sects and local militias have been undertaking such recruitment for years. Politicians have used the youth, particularly during elections, to buy votes; intimidate the opposition; create disturbances, fear, and instability; and even to mount violent attacks on opponents and their supporters. In the disputed 2007 elections, such practices led to widespread violence across the country. However, in recent years, youth radicalisation has become even more threatening on account of the increased terrorist activities in the region.
No more downplaying the threat
Terrorism in Kenya has resulted in not only the loss of lives, personal suffering and pain, but also in growing instability and a heightened sense of insecurity. The latter has harmed the country’s economy, particularly the tourism sector, and there is widespread doubt about the government’s will and ability to deal with the situation. The country’s biggest and best-known international hotels are now so heavily guarded and protected that entering them feels more like visiting a prison. Security measures have also increased in public buildings, universities and shopping malls. Newly opened Westgate Mall, which experienced a terror attack in 2013, has entry checks comparable to those at international airports...........................
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