LAMU, Kenya- Kenya has faced the grim reality of terrorism over the years, with devastating attacks by the Somalia-based Al-Shabaab militant group leaving a trail of destruction and grief.
Yet, amidst the darkness, the country has carved out a narrative of resilience and success, turning a once-dire situation into a beacon of hope.
One of Kenya’s boldest responses came after the horrifying 2014 Mpeketoni attack in Lamu County, where over 90 men were killed, and millions worth of property destroyed in a single night.
The attack prompted the government to launch Operation Linda Boni, a multi-agency initiative aimed at flushing out Al-Shabaab militants from the dense Boni Forest near the Kenya-Somalia border.
The operation has since evolved into Operation Amani Boni (OAB), symbolizing a broader peace-building agenda.
“We have seen firsthand how empowered communities can disrupt radicalization and violent extremism. Engaging local leaders and youth is critical in ensuring long-term stability,” Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo said.
This coordinated effort, led by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) with support from the National Police Service (NPS), Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS), and other state agencies, has significantly reduced terror attacks in Lamu and neighboring counties.
According to Omollo, the government has gone beyond deploying security forces in terror-prone areas.
“Terrorism thrives where there are grievances and vulnerabilities. By addressing issues like unemployment and land disputes, we are closing the gaps that extremists exploit,” the Interior Principal Secretary said.
On his part, Lamu County Commissioner Wesley Koech confirmed that intensified patrols and newly established security camps have drastically improved security.
“Previously volatile hotspots now record no attacks,” he said, highlighting areas like Ndeu, Milihoi, and Nyongoro that were once terror magnets but are now largely peaceful.
Beyond boots on the ground, he said community engagement has played a pivotal role in Kenya’s counter-terrorism strategy.
The Kiunga Youth Bunge Initiative (KYBI), a grassroots organization in Lamu, has spearheaded training programs to counter radicalization.
Their 2023 project, Resilience, Peace, and Stability against Radicalization and Violent Extremism, empowered local youth to resist the lure of extremist ideologies.
“Youth were once easy targets for Al-Shabaab recruiters, but today, they’re leading the fight against extremism,” said K YBI Programmes Officer Moses Maina.
By addressing root causes like unemployment and marginalization, KYBI has transformed communities once labeled as hotbeds of radicalization into resilient societies.
The government’s recognition of underlying issues such as land disputes, ethnic tensions, and economic disenfranchisement has further bolstered peace efforts.
According to Koech, resolving these grievances has been instrumental in fostering unity among Lamu’s diverse communities.
Innovative solutions to youth unemployment have also emerged.
Public-private partnerships and community-based initiatives are creating alternative livelihoods, reducing the risk of recruitment by extremist groups.
“The wheels of radicalization can be stopped by prevention,” Maina emphasized.
While challenges remain, including intelligence gaps and the militants’ evolving tactics, Kenya’s success in stabilizing regions like Lamu offers a template for countering violent extremism.
In recent years, there has been a marked decline in high-profile attacks, with local and national efforts bearing fruit.
Critics like Simon Mwangi and Mary Wanjiku from Lamu acknowledge the strides made but urge more transparency and efficiency in intelligence handling.
“We’ve come a long way, but we need to seal every gap,” Wanjiku noted.
PS Omollo said, “With every joint patrol, every youth trained against extremism, and every local grievance addressed, Kenya is proving that terrorism can be defeated—not just with force, but with unity and foresight.”
