An Assessment of Community Based Organizations in Countering Violent Extremism in Isiolo County, Kenya
Loading...
Date
2024-10
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies (JAIS)
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess Community Based Organizations in countering
violent extremism in Kenya, with focus on Isiolo County. The research investigated
Community Based Organizations engagement in countering violent extremism in Isiolo
County, Kenya, regarded as one of the vulnerable counties in Kenya, suffering high levels of
insecurity ranging from cattle rustling, banditry and other threats. The study was guided by
three specific objectives: to examine the community-based organizations involved in
countering violent extremism in Isiolo County; to establish the forms of violent extremism in
Isiolo County, and to assess strategies used by community-based organizations to counter
violent extremism. The literature review was done according to the research objectives. The
study was guided by social identity theory and theory of change. In terms of methodology,
the study used mixed method approach. Descriptive survey research design was adopted that
targeted 53,217 populations from which a sample size of 100 was determined using a
sampling formula. Multistage sampling was adopted to select respondents from each of the
sub locations in the three sub counties under which a systematic random sampling approach
was used. Purpose sampling was used to select participants for qualitative data. Data analysis
involved qualitative and quantitative methods. SPSS Version 26 was used to analyze
quantitative data while qualitative data was analyzed thematically. Quantitative data was
presented in tables while qualitative data was presented using narratives and quotes. There
were more formal than informal CBOs operating in Isiolo County CVE efforts. These CBOs
were focused on recruitment and radicalization of youth into VE since there were no reported
or known cases of violent attacks in the county. Building awareness and trust in their
communities was the frequent strategy used by CBOs in Isiolo County to countering VE
efforts. The research recommends that informal CBOs should be supported so as to achieve
formal status so as to enjoy more participation the policy formulation processes with county
and national governments. Secondly, it is recommended for a multi-faceted method to
counter and prevent VE in Isiolo County due to the changing nature of youth radicalization
and recruitment that has moved to online platforms
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Citation
Muriithi, E. M & Macharia, H. M. (2024). An Assessment of Community Based Organizations in Countering Violent Extremism in Isiolo County, Kenya. Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies, 8(10), 141 – 152.