From January 26 to February 3, 2025, Nairobi and Mombasa became the focal points for an international exchange on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE). Organized by JISRA and Mensen met een Missie, the event brought together policymakers, civil society leaders, and security experts from Kenya, Indonesia, and other countries. This unique knowledge-sharing initiative aimed to enhance localized approaches in tackling violent extremism through community-driven solutions. The week-long discussions led to strengthened international collaboration and concrete steps, including the intention to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Indonesia and Kenya to formalize future cooperation in P/CVE strategies.
A platform for peer learning
The exchange featured discussions between key stakeholders, including Kenya’s National Counterterrorism Centre (NCTC), Indonesia’s National Counter Terrorism Agency (Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Terorisme: BNPT), and civil society organizations such as KECOSCE, Peace Generation and AMAN Indonesia. Over the course of nine days, participants engaged in interactive sessions, field visits, and strategy workshops to analyze successful practices in localizing P/CVE strategies.
The event began with an opening dinner in Nairobi, hosted by the Indonesian Embassy. Ambassador Mohamad Hery Saripudin emphasized the importance of government and civil society collaboration in countering violent extremism, highlighting the shared commitment between Kenya and Indonesia. This was followed by an introductory conversation with Mr. Kigen, director of the National Counter Terrorism Center, where both countries stressed the necessity of a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach in preventing and countering violent extremism. This principle set the foundation for the week’s discussions before delving into the importance of localization strategies.
Field visits: Learning from community experiences
In Mombasa, participants explored the explored the different aspects of localising P/CVE strategies. For example, women leaders from Kenya and Indonesia shared their experiences on countering extremist recruitment, not only in prevention but also in recognizing the often-overlooked role of women in extremist networks. Women are not just victims but sometimes facilitators or recruiters, making their involvement in counter-narratives essential.
A visit to Kilifi County showcased Kenya’s localization approaches through engagement with the County Engagement Forum, where government officials, religious leaders, and civil society organizations collaboratively develop and implement county-specific P/CVE action plans. The engagement demonstrated how community-led solutions have successfully reduced extremist recruitment and strengthened trust between communities and security forces.
On a visit to Kwale County, the Kaya elders, custodians of sacred forests, highlighted the deep links between climate change and vulnerability to extremist recruitment. Stephanie Joubert, JISRA programme coordinator Kenya & Indonesia shares: “One of the elders told us how young people, seeing their family lands disappear, feel they have no future. Extremist groups exploit that sense of loss, offering money and a supposed purpose. Protecting these sacred spaces isn’t just about conservation—it’s about protecting communities from radicalization.”
Key insights
- Localization is key – Both Kenya and Indonesia demonstrated that tailoring national P/CVE strategies to local contexts leads to more sustainable results. Kenya’s County Action Plans, which includes grassroots actors in developing and implementing county approaches to P/CVE, emerged as one of the good practices, offering a replicable model for other regions.
- The overlooked role of women – The exchange highlighted that women are not just victims of violent extremism but also, at times, enablers or even recruiters. This nuance is crucial in designing intervention programs. Indonesia’s approach, which formally includes women in P/CVE discussions and policies at national level, was seen as an interesting learning for Kenya.
- Technology, youth and online radicalization – Participants recognized the growing threat of online radicalization and the need for innovative interventions, especially involving youth. Both countries shared experiences in countering extremist narratives through working with youth in social media campaigns, digital storytelling, and educational initiatives. The Indonesian model of integrating counter-radicalization narratives into gaming and online platforms was particularly compelling.
- Economic factors as a driver of recruitment – Extremist groups in both countries often exploit economic vulnerabilities. In Indonesia, some groups offer to pay off debts in exchange for radicalization, while in Kenya, financial struggles due to climate change-induced displacement leave young people susceptible to recruitment. Addressing economic needs must therefore be a component of P/CVE strategies.
A lasting impact
The event concluded at the Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi, where participants presented key findings and recommendations for future collaboration. With plans for follow-up exchanges in Indonesia later this year, the knowledge-sharing momentum continues.
A significant outcome of the week was the commitment to ongoing collaboration between key stakeholders. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between BNPT and NCTC is set to be signed, formalizing future cooperation on knowledge-sharing, joint research, and strengthening civil society involvement in P/CVE efforts. This agreement will emphasize key areas such as gender inclusion, youth engagement, and countering online radicalization, ensuring that the learnings from this exchange translate into long-term, actionable strategies.
Reflecting on the event, Mensen met een Missie Director Rick van der Woud remarked: “What stays with me is not just the policy discussions, but the resilience of the people working on the ground. Their dedication to peace, even in the face of adversity, is what makes these efforts truly impactful”.
In a world where violent extremism remains a pressing challenge, this exchange reaffirmed a fundamental truth: security is strongest when it is rooted in communities, built on trust, and driven by inclusive collaboration.
