By Adan Mohamed - Reporter
Kenya, 24 August 2026 - Community leaders in Mandera have been urged to take a leading role in preventing violent extremism by promoting early detection, peacebuilding, community dialogue and closer cooperation with security agencies.
The call was made during community sensitisation activities targeting residents in remote villages across Mandera, where local leaders and community members were encouraged to remain vigilant, strengthen social cohesion and promptly report emerging security concerns through appropriate channels.
Speaking during the initiative, the Assistant County Commissioner (ACC) for Mandera Central Stepen Komote said security is a shared responsibility that requires active participation from communities.
“Security is not the responsibility of security agencies alone; community leaders and residents have a critical role to play in identifying early warning signs, reporting suspicious activities and promoting peaceful coexistence.
We are encouraging residents to work closely with every security agency so that we can maintain a peaceful and secure Mandera,” ACC said.
The sensitisation programme is part of wider efforts by local NGOs and security stakeholders to reach communities in remote areas and raise awareness on the importance of peace, security and community cooperation.
The initiative seeks to strengthen community resilience against violent extremism by equipping local leaders and residents with knowledge on early warning signs, countering extremist narratives, promoting dialogue and addressing factors that may make communities vulnerable to recruitment.
At Border Point One (BP1), residents welcomed the initiative and pledged to strengthen cooperation with security agencies and other stakeholders to safeguard peace in the area.
Speaking on behalf of residents, Diriye Haji, a resident of Border Point One, said the community was committed to working closely with security agencies to ensure lasting peace.
“As residents of Border Point One, we are ready to collaborate with every security agency we want our area and the entire Mandera region to remain peaceful. We believe security is a shared responsibility, and we will continue working with the authorities and other stakeholders to protect our community,” said Diriye Haji.
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Haji noted that residents are often the first to notice unusual activities within their villages, making their participation crucial in identifying and addressing potential security threats before they escalate.
The programme also emphasises the involvement of young people, women, elders and other community stakeholders in peacebuilding efforts, while encouraging dialogue and social cohesion at the grassroots level.
Local NGOs supporting the initiative are equipping community leaders with practical skills to identify early warning signs, promote peaceful coexistence, challenge extremist narratives and strengthen community resilience.
The Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) supports locally led initiatives aimed at addressing social, economic and political factors that can increase communities’ vulnerability to violent extremist recruitment.
Stakeholders have called for continued cooperation between communities, local organisations and security agencies, saying stronger partnerships will be essential in sustaining peace and preventing violent extremism across Mandera County.
The sensitisation activities are expected to reach more remote communities, with community leaders positioned as key partners in promoting peace, strengthening social cohesion and ensuring that relevant security information reaches authorities in a timely manner.
Local NGOs Equip Mandera Community Leaders to Counter Violent Extremism
Local leaders and community members have been encouraged to remain vigilant, strengthen social cohesion and promptly report emerging security concerns.