Kenya has once again reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to promoting peace and security in East Africa, pledging to continue working diligently towards this goal both domestically and regionally. Dr. Raymond Omollo, the Principal Secretary for Internal Security & National Administration, made this pledge during the launch of the Regional Programme on Peacebuilding and Preventing Violent Extremism in East Africa, which took place at Kwetu Nairobi.
This event, held in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), brought together stakeholders from Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, and other regional and international organizations dedicated to addressing the threat of violent extremism in the region. The launch marks a significant step in Kenya’s ongoing efforts to strengthen regional security and foster peace across East Africa, a region plagued by various security challenges, including conflict over natural resources, border disputes, and violent extremism.
In his address, Dr. Omollo reiterated Kenya’s longstanding dedication to peace, emphasizing the country’s role as a pillar of stability in a region often defined by conflict. “Kenya remains committed to promoting peace and security, and we will continue to work tirelessly towards achieving this goal, both domestically, regionally, and internationally,” Dr. Omollo stated. He reflected on Kenya’s reputation as an advocate for peace, noting that despite its stability, the country has not been immune to the impacts of violent extremism.
Kenya’s vulnerability to extremism was starkly illustrated by several tragic events, including the Westgate Mall attack in 2013, the 2015 Garissa University massacre, and, more recently, the Shakahola tragedy in 2023. These incidents have not only led to devastating human losses but have also left the nation in a state of heightened security anxiety. Dr. Omollo stressed the importance of vigilance in the face of these challenges and highlighted the ongoing threat posed by religiously motivated violence.
The region’s susceptibility to conflict is also fueled by issues such as competition for natural resources and border disputes, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas where extremist groups often exploit pre-existing grievances to advance their agendas. In his speech, Dr. Omollo pointed out that extremist groups have increasingly targeted vulnerable communities, seeking to manipulate local tensions for their own benefit.
He also underscored that the path to peace cannot be forced but must be embraced by the citizens of the region. “Social cohesiveness and peace cannot be enforced; they must be willingly embraced by citizens to be fully guaranteed and sustainable,” he noted. This statement reflects Kenya’s emphasis on grassroots involvement and the importance of community-driven initiatives in fostering long-term peace.
Over the past two years, Kenya has made significant strides in peacebuilding, including the comprehensive evaluation of the country’s Peacebuilding Architecture, which was initiated by President William Ruto in March 2023. Dr. Omollo remarked that the risks facing Kenya are not unique but are shared globally, calling for regional and international cooperation to address the root causes of extremism and violence.
As part of its efforts to combat extremism and promote peace, Kenya has built a robust network of over 500 community-driven Peace Committees. These committees, which include elders, women, youth, and inter-faith leaders, utilize traditional methods of dispute resolution, which are critical in addressing local conflicts and building trust among communities.
Looking ahead, Dr. Omollo expressed optimism for the future of the Regional Programme on Peacebuilding and Preventing Violent Extremism. As the program enters its implementation phase, Kenya remains committed to working with other regional and international stakeholders to ensure the success of peacebuilding initiatives across East Africa.
In conclusion, Dr. Omollo’s message was clear: “Together, we can contribute to a more peaceful and equitable world that prioritizes prevention and inclusivity for future generations.” With this call to action, Kenya continues to lead by example, working tirelessly to ensure that peace and security remain at the forefront of regional and global priorities.
