The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) has launched a Foundation Course on Rehabilitation and Social Reintegration in Nairobi, marking a renewed push toward non-kinetic approaches to counterterrorism.
The programme, which began today at a Nairobi hotel, is part of IMCTC’s Rehabilitation and Social Reintegration Initiative and targets individuals affected by extremist ideology and terrorist behaviour.
Participants have been drawn from the military, security agencies, and relevant government institutions, with the course designed to strengthen institutional capacity in managing disengagement, rehabilitation, and reintegration processes.
Non-Kinetic Approaches Key to Long-Term Security
The opening ceremony was officiated by Brigadier Joel Kirimi of Defence Headquarters, who underscored the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration as essential pillars of modern counterterrorism.
Brigadier Kirimi noted that while operational and intelligence-led efforts remain critical, lasting security requires a holistic strategy that addresses the psychological, social, and ideological drivers of violent extremism.
“Rehabilitation and social reintegration programmes are critical components of modern counterterrorism strategy, complementing operational and intelligence-led efforts,” he said.
He further emphasised the need for structured and standardised programmes to ensure that individuals disengaging from extremist activities are effectively supported and guided back into society as productive and responsible citizens.
According to Brigadier Kirimi, such approaches not only strengthen national security but also enhance regional stability.
The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition today commenced a Foundation Course on Rehabilitation and Social Reintegration at a Nairobi hotel under the Coalition’s Rehabilitation and Social Reintegration Initiative. The programme targets individuals affected by extremist
Countering Extremist Ideology
Speaking at the event, Dr Mansour Al-Qarni, Head of the Ideology Department at IMCTC, highlighted the central role of ideological engagement in countering violent extremism.
Dr Al-Qarni observed that sustainable security outcomes depend on dismantling extremist narratives and equipping practitioners with the tools required to support reintegration efforts effectively.
“Countering violent extremism requires addressing the ideas that drive it,” he said, adding that capacity-building remains key to long-term success.
Focus Areas of the Programme
The Foundation Course covers a wide range of thematic areas, including:
- Deradicalisation frameworks
- Psychosocial support mechanisms
- Legal and ethical considerations
- Civil–military coordination
- Community-based reintegration approaches
According to IMCTC, the programme is designed to enhance institutional capacity, promote inter-agency cooperation, and standardise best practices among member states involved in countering violent extremism.
