Justice for Peace: Preventing Violent Extremism through Constructive Engagement between Criminal Justice Sector actors and Communities in Kenya is a 22 months project funded by the Department of States, Counterterrorism Bureau.
Inuka! Supporting vulnerable youth to participate in community peace and security efforts in Coastal Kenya is a 36 months project funded by the European Union.
While the security situation in Kenya’s Coastal region has remained relatively static over the last few years, there is still concern in addressing and countering VE in these areas. The Kenyan authorities’ securitized approach to radicalization reportedly involving human rights abuses and the criminalization of certain religions has created a buildup of mistrust in the government further aggravating the security situation. Search’s approach to tackling this conflict involves strengthening structures for collaboration and building of capacities of key stakeholders to increase mutual support and participation in decision making processes.
The justice for peace project significantly increased awareness of rights and responsibilities among project participants. Justice actors increased their knowledge about violent extremism from a community perspective while community members increased their knowledge and understanding of court and criminal procedures including the role of criminal justice in addressing violent extremism.
There is also clear evidence that the project provided a platform for improved mutual understanding and trust between community and justice actors. Justice actors became aware of community grievances toward the justice sector and how their actions have been driving some community members, youth in particular, to violent extremism. Community members on the other hand had an opportunity to hear and learn directly from justice actors to understand criminal and court procedures, which were confusing to them.
Under Inuka, the evaluation found solid evidence that the training activities conducted by Search and partners were effective, contributing to improved skills and capacity of youth. Young interviewees agreed that they now feel that they have mastered skills in effective communication, consensus building, dispute resolution, non-adversary advocacy and leadership. More significantly, the evaluation also found that youth have increased confidence to participate in community activities, even beyond those related to peace and security.
