NAIROBI, Kenya- As technological advancements reshape the landscape of terrorism, the Kenyan government is reviewing its strategy to combat terrorism and violent extremism.
The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) has raised alarms about the proliferation of AI technologies facilitating free and open platforms for recruitment, including self-recruitment, creating new challenges in the fight against terrorism and extremism.
AI-driven self-radicalization refers to the process by which individuals adopt extremist ideologies through interaction with artificial intelligence technologies, such as social media algorithms, automated bots, and online forums.
The Role of AI in Self-Radicalization
According to Nakuru County Commissioner Loyford Kibaara, there is an urgent need for strategies to engage communities and address social, economic, and political factors that deter radicalization.
“There is a need to ensure confidentiality between our security teams and the members of the public who volunteer information to us for action, as a way of safeguarding the information shared and the lives of the parties involved,” Kibaara said, noting that community awareness of terrorist activities often complicates counter-terrorism efforts.
Community Engagement and Support
Kibaara, who also chairs the Nakuru County Engagement Forum (CEF) on preventing and countering violent extremism, urged stakeholders to support county-based action plans.
“County governments can also join in by allocating funds and part of their emergency funds towards community engagement and resilience programs that would engage vulnerable groups and boost local businesses and startups,” he added.
Updating the National Strategy to Counter Violent Extremism
The NCTC is calling for input into the National Strategy to Counter Violent Extremism to incorporate insights tailored to the evolving terrorism landscape.
The 2016 strategy has driven the implementation of various county action plans, and upcoming changes aim to build on these gains while monitoring and evaluating their impact.
Paul Songok, an NCTC member of the Technical Working Group, noted that terrorism thrives in areas with high criminal activity, drug abuse, and minimal government presence, all of which contribute to violent extremism.
“Radicalization is not a linear process, and those involved may not identify with the violent extremism ideology,” Songok explained.
“We have seen trends of self-radicalization where new recruits use technology to self-radicalize without any direct contact with advocates of violent extremism.”
Targeting Vulnerable Populations
Education institutions, impoverished neighborhoods, refugee camps, and prisons have been flagged as key recruitment platforms, with recruiters exploiting the vulnerabilities of those lacking a strong belief system.
“Socially isolated individuals and those exposed to social violence, as well as children traumatized by social ills, are also vulnerable to violent extremism,” Songok added.
Future Threats and International Partnerships
The evolving nature of terrorism necessitates a strategy change, with future threats driven by geopolitical conflicts, resource disputes, poverty, inequality, and climate change. Given the transnational character of terrorism, regional and international partnerships are essential to counter violent extremism effectively.
Local Initiatives and Vigilance
Nakuru Boda Boda Chairman Samuel Munyi emphasized the importance of educational programs targeting the bodaboda sector to help identify and flag rogue elements.
“We are more vigilant with the people we ferry, working closely with national government administrators to volunteer information that may prevent violent extremism,” Munyi said.
Maimuna Mwinyi, an advocate for Youth Bila Noma, highlighted the critical role of youth involvement in counter-terrorism activities.
She pointed to a lack of proper parenting as a factor driving many young people toward violent extremism.
Collaborative Efforts for a Safer Future
Notably, Kenya’s strategy to combat terrorism and violent extremism is evolving to address the challenges posed by AI-driven self-radicalization.
By engaging communities, updating national strategies, and fostering international partnerships, Kenya aims to create a safer, more resilient society.
This comprehensive approach ensures that Kenya stays ahead of the curve in the fight against terrorism, leveraging technology and community engagement to build a more secure future.
