1. The Journey of Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism
- History and mission of NCTC Kenya
The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) Kenya was established by the Prevention of Terrorism Act as an inter-agency organization dedicated to coordinating the country’s efforts in countering terrorism. Over the years, NCTC has grown in capacity and scope, adapting to the evolving nature of violent extremism. Initially focused on intelligence gathering and sharing, its role has expanded to include:
- Policy formulation on counterterrorism and violent extremism
- Coordinating national efforts in preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE)
- Collaborating with international, regional, and local stakeholders to enhance Kenya’s resilience against terrorism.
NCTC has been instrumental in preventing terror attacks, disrupting terrorist networks, and fostering a whole-of-society approach that involves not only security agencies but also civil society, religious leaders, international partners and communities.
As NCTC marks 20 years of operations, it reflects on its pioneering role in Kenya’s fight against terrorism, having played a central role in developing Kenya’s National Strategy to Counter Violent Extremism (NSCVE) in 2016. This strategy emphasizes prevention and focuses on addressing root causes such as radicalization, marginalization, and socio-economic challenges.
Mission of NCTC Kenya
The mission of NCTC Kenya is to safeguard the country and its citizens from the threat of terrorism and violent extremism by implementing strategic, multi-dimensional, and proactive counterterrorism measures. NCTC Kenya aims to specifically:
- Coordinate all national efforts related to counter terrorism.
- Promote collaboration between government agencies, local communities, and international partners.
- Prevent and disrupt terrorist activities through intelligence sharing, law enforcement, and operational coordination.
- Support and build resilience within communities against radicalization and violent extremism.
- Promote policy development and the implementation of comprehensive, human-rights-centered approaches to counter violent extremism.
In alignment with Kenya’s National Security objectives, NCTC remains committed to protecting the nation’s sovereignty, promoting peace and unity, and creating an environment conducive to economic and social development by countering the threat of terrorism in all its forms.
2. A reflection on 20 years of preventing and countering violent extremism
For the past two decades, Kenya has faced significant challenges related to terrorism and violent extremism, particularly from groups like Al-Shabaab. In response, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) has played a pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s comprehensive strategy to address these evolving threats.
Key Milestones Over 20 Years
- Early Counterterrorism Efforts (2004 – 2010)
In its early years, NCTC primarily focused on enhancing intelligence gathering and improving inter-agency collaboration among Kenya’s security forces. The aftermath of the 1998 U.S. Embassy bombing in Nairobi and other terrorist attacks within East Africa had made it clear that coordination across multiple sectors was critical. During this period, NCTC strengthened intelligence-sharing frameworks between Kenya and international partners. - Responding to New Threats (2011 – 2014)
The rise of Al-Shabaab, following Kenya’s military intervention in Somalia in 2011 (Operation Linda Nchi), posed a new level of challenge. NCTC’s role expanded from operational coordination to building resilience within communities, recognizing that preventing violent extremism required addressing both security and socio-political grievances.
Training programs for law enforcement were developed to enhance counter-radicalization strategies in areas particularly vulnerable to extremist recruitment, such as coastal and northern Kenya.
- Development of the National Strategy (2015 – 2017)
One of the most significant milestones in NCTC’s history was the development and launch of Kenya’s National Strategy to Counter Violent Extremism (NSCVE) in 2016. This was a comprehensive approach that placed emphasis on prevention, de-radicalization, and the rehabilitation of extremists. The strategy emphasized a whole-of-society approach, bringing together government agencies, civil society, religious leaders, and communities to address the underlying factors driving radicalization.
This period also saw NCTC increasing its engagement with youth, women, and religious leaders, ensuring that counter-extremism measures were inclusive and grounded in local realities.
- Community-Led Initiatives, Digital Campaigns and Revised NSCVE (2018 – 2024)
In recent years, NCTC has leveraged digital platforms to counter the spread of extremist ideologies online. Through awareness campaigns, partnerships with tech companies, and community-based interventions, NCTC has been at the forefront of countering radicalization via social media.
Locally, NCTC supported county-level action plans that empowered communities to develop their own context-specific approaches to preventing and countering violent extremism. This localization of counter-extremism efforts has contributed to the early identification of risks and allowed for community policing and mentorship programs to thrive in vulnerable regions.
In 2024, NCTC revised the 2016 NSCVE. This milestone reflects NCTC’s commitment to adapting its approach to the changing nature of violent extremism.
Achievements and Lessons Learned
- Strengthening Partnerships
NCTC’s success over the past 20 years has largely been driven by its ability to forge strong partnerships—within Kenya, across the region, and internationally. Collaboration with local communities, religious leaders, and civil society has also enhanced efforts to address extremism. - Emphasis on Prevention and Resilience
A key lesson learned is the importance of focusing not just on reactive measures but on preventative approaches to counterterrorism. NCTC’s resilience-building programs have empowered communities to be the first line of defense against extremist ideologies. - Adapting to the Digital Space
The battle against extremism has shifted to the digital realm, where extremist groups use online platforms for recruitment and propaganda. NCTC has evolved to meet this challenge by integrating counter-narratives and digital literacy campaigns, especially targeting youth who are the most vulnerable to radicalization online. - Rehabilitation and Reintegration
Another area of significant progress is the rehabilitation and reintegration of former extremists. NCTC, through partnerships with NGOs and religious institutions, has facilitated de-radicalization programs that offer individuals a second chance at life, helping them reintegrate into society and providing alternative paths to extremist violence.
