“Islamist radicalism in Somalia is reaching into Kenya. The cross-border network Al-Shabaab has built is attempting to radicalise youth to fight in Somalia and conduct terrorist attacks in their own country. This problem has become more severe with the Kenyan government’s decision to intervene directly in Somalia. It is important that Nairobi not conflate radicalisation and terrorism. Counter-terrorism tactics should not be the only official response to radicalisation. The government must develop effective, long-term strategies for both counter-radicalisation and de-radicalisation, because extremism will continue to be a problem long after the physical threat of terrorism subsides.
Radicalisation presents a threat to Kenya’s security and stability. Formulating sound policies and then tackling it head on before it is too late needs to be a priority.”
