KILIFI, Kenya — Over 40 representatives from national and county government, media, creative arts, influencers, and civil society convened in Kilifi this week for a three‑day Communication and Media Stakeholders’ Capacity Building Forum, aimed at reinforcing ethical and effective communication in the prevention and countering of violent extremism (PCVE).
Organised under the Kenya–European Union partnership and aligned with Kenya’s PCVE Strategy 2025–2030, the forum highlighted the growing importance of responsible messaging in addressing harmful narratives, countering misinformation and strengthening community trust in safety initiatives.
The forum was implemented as part of broader efforts to enhance multi‑stakeholder engagement in PCVE, a strategy that recognises the power of accurate and ethical communication in preventing the spread of extremism and radicalisation.
Engagements such as this build on ongoing national and community initiatives that prioritise local cooperation, evidence‑based responses and strong ties between security actors and civil society.
Participants gained skills in planning and implementing effective PCVE campaigns, utilising responsible messaging that resonates with diverse audiences.
Discussions emphasised the need to tailor communication tools and narratives to specific community contexts — a concept echoed in PCVE efforts across the country, particularly in areas with active county engagement forums.
National Counter‑Terrorism Centre (NCTC) officials underscored the critical role of credible voices in fostering community resilience against radicalisation, noting that coordinated communication strategies are essential to dispel misinformation that extremists may exploit.
The training also reflected international best practices, aligning with EU‑sponsored initiatives that support collaboration between government, media and civil society to enhance local capacities in PCVE.
These collaborative efforts mirror broader trends where stakeholders are equipped with tools to tackle emerging security challenges at both national and grassroots levels.
Organisers said the Kilifi forum will contribute to building a network of communication professionals and influencers who can advocate for peace, counter harmful narratives and engage communities in constructive dialogue on issues related to violent extremism and national cohesion.
