Where We Work

Kenya

Context

Kenya is currently ranked 20 on the Global Terrorism Index of 2023. After a relatively calm period in the initial months of the year, violent extremist incidents intensified in Kenya during the second half of 2021. Most incidents were perpetrated by Al Shabab in the northeast, particularly in Garissa, Wajir and at the Coast, in Lamu.

The Government of Kenya and civil society actors worked collaboratively to respond to risks of violent extremism and as a result, 300 Kenyans left Al-Shabaab and surrendered to the Kenyan authorities in June 2021.

Country Statistics

Country Statistics

STORIES FROM THE GROUND

Resisting Al-Shabab in Kibra, Nairobi

With the assistance from [GCERF’s local partner], we peacefully resolved conflicts regarding constructing this church within a predominantly Muslim community. [GCERF’s local partner] assisted in calming tensions between religious leaders, and now we are received and perceived well in Hongwe. This will go a long way in proving that Muslims and Christians can live together happily and in peace

– Pastor of a Pentecostal church, Hongwe in Lamu County 

Pathways to Change

GCERF supports activities to build social cohesion and community agency. It also funds programmes designed to create equal access to opportunities and a sense of purpose. These include initiatives to:
  • Promote interfaith dialogue among religious leaders on the Kenyan coast.
  • Train women and out-of-school youth in entrepreneurial skills.
  • Create safe spaces and symposia for women to discuss the prevention of violent extremism in their communities.
  • Establish community peace watch groups in Wajir, Garissa, and on the Kenyan coast to alert on early signs of radicalisation.
  • Mentor peace ambassadors and youth.
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500,000 people across Garissa, Lamu, Mombasa, Nairobi, and Wajir Counties will be reached through 12 distinct initiatives and a wide range of activities focusing on youth, religious leaders, and women –aligned with Kenya’s national CVE strategy and county action plans
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Community members participated in activities designed to increase their level of engagement in their communities, including:

  • 450 youth Peace Ambassadors received bespoke training
  • 2,400 out-of-school youth received training on how to be a PVE mentor

Country Collaboration​

GCREF organizes an event for donors in Nigeria twice a year and coordination through the Country Support Mechenism.
Factsheet

Factsheet

Local Partners in Kenya

Local Partners in Kenya

PARTNER IN OUR WORK

Invest in the Future of Kenya

Sustainable Development Goals

Sustainable Development Goals

Peace, Justice & Strong Institution

Peace, Justice & Strong Institution

No Poverty

Quality Education

Quality Education

Gender Equality

Gender Equality

Decent Work & Economic Growth

Decent Work & Economic Growth

Reduced Inequalities

Reduced Inequalities

Partnership for The Goals

Partnership for The Goals

These goals are based on those set forward in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nation Member States in 2015