NAIROBI, Kenya — The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has conducted a Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) sensitisation programme for Administration Police Service (APS) recruits at the National Police College, Embakasi ‘A’ Training Campus, as part of efforts to strengthen Kenya’s capacity to prevent terrorism and violent extremism.
According to the DCI, the training equipped recruits with practical knowledge and operational skills to identify, prevent and respond to evolving terrorist threats before they graduate and join the National Police Service.
The programme was facilitated by officers from the Directorate of Countering Violent Extremism, who took the recruits through the changing terrorism landscape, radicalisation processes and the increasingly sophisticated tactics used by extremist groups, including the exploitation of emerging technologies and online platforms.
“The recruits were equipped with practical knowledge and operational skills to identify, prevent and respond to terrorism and violent extremism-related threats while reinforcing their critical role in safeguarding the country against radicalisation and recruitment into extremist networks,” the DCI said in a statement.
Focus on intelligence and community policing
The training covered radicalisation pathways, recruitment trends, protective security awareness and the identification of suspicious persons and activities linked to violent extremist groups.
Facilitators also emphasised intelligence gathering, early intervention and community engagement as key components of Kenya’s counter-terrorism strategy.
The recruits were introduced to methods used to finance extremist activities, including illicit cross-border trade, money laundering, extortion, illegitimate business ventures and the growing misuse of digital financial platforms.
The DCI said understanding these financing networks is essential in disrupting the operations of terrorist organisations before attacks are carried out.
Human rights and legal framework
The recruits were also taken through Kenya’s legal and policy framework on countering violent extremism, with trainers underscoring the National Police Service’s responsibility to prevent and investigate terrorism-related offences while respecting the rule of law and constitutional rights.
The Constitution of Kenya guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms, including due process and human dignity, while also mandating national security agencies to protect the country and its citizens. The training sought to balance effective security operations with adherence to human rights standards.
The DCI reminded the recruits that radicalisation can affect individuals from diverse backgrounds and urged them to remain vigilant, uphold professionalism and exercise sound judgment throughout their policing careers.
According to the DCI, the initiative aims to strengthen intelligence-led and community-centred policing as Kenya continues to confront terrorism and violent extremism threats.