Influence of Community Policing Strategies by Non-State Actors on Youth Radicalization in Kamukunji Sub-County: A Case of Kamukunji Community Peace Network

Collins Mwangi; Luhombo Adema Calistus; Mutisya Mary

doi:10.18535/ijsrm/v13i08.sh04

Abstract

This study examined the role of non-state actors in countering youth radicalization, focusing on community policing strategies adopted by the Kamukunji Community Peace Network (KACPEN) in Nairobi County, Kenya. The objective was to identify the forms of community policing strategies associated with counter-radicalization in Kamukunji Sub-County. The study was guided by Schemas Theory, which explains how cognitive frameworks shape community responses to radicalization. A convergent parallel mixed methods design was used, targeting 4,242 registered KACPEN members, including religious leaders, youth groups, and peace builders. A sample of 98 respondents was selected. Data were collected using questionnaires and in-depth interviews, analyzed through descriptive statistics (SPSS v24) and thematic analysis. Findings revealed that community involvement, police foot patrols, and partnerships were central strategies, while public participation occurred mainly through community-based programs and youth engagement. However, most respondents were unaware of media laws related to radicalization. The study concludes that non-state actors significantly enhance resilience to extremism and recommends stronger state, community collaboration, awareness of legal frameworks, and sustained support for community policing initiatives.

Keywords

KACPENradicalizationyouthstrategiescommunity policingcounteringnon-state actors

References

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[refR-1] Adebayo, G. O. (2021). Counter-radicalization policies and policing in education: making a case for human security in Europe. Heliyon, 7(2). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05721DOI ↗Google Scholar ↗

[refR-2] Ahmed, K., Belanger, P., & Szmania, S. (2018). Community-Focused Counter-Radicalization and Counter-Terrorism Projects: Experiences and Lessons Learned. Rowman & LittlefieldGoogle Scholar ↗

[refR-3] Badurdeen, F. A., & Goldsmith, P. (2018). Initiatives and Perceptions to Counter Violent Extremism in the Coastal Region of Kenya. Journal for Deradicalization, 2(16), 70-102.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-4] Bartlett, J., & Miller, C. (2012). The edge of violence: Towards telling the difference between violent and non-violent radicalization. Terrorism and Political Violence, 24(1), 1-21.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-5] Botha, A. (2014). Political socialization and terrorist radicalization among individuals who joined al-Shabaab in Kenya. Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, 37(11), 895-919Google Scholar ↗

[refR-6] Briggs, R. (2010). Community engagement for counterterrorism: Lessons from the United Kingdom. International affairs, 86(4), 971-981.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-7] Byman, D. (2013). Fighting Salafi-Jihadist Insurgencies: How Much Does Religion Really Matter? Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, 36(5), 353-371.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-8] Cherney, A., & Hartley, J. (2017). Community engagement to tackle terrorism and violent extremism: challenges, tensions and pitfalls. Policing and society, 27(7), 750-763.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-9] Dunn, K. M., Atie, R., Kennedy, M., Ali, J. A., O’Reilly, J., & Rogerson, L. (2016). Can you use community policing for counter terrorism? Evidence from NSW, Australia. Police Practice and Research, 17(3), 196-211.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-10] El Difraoui, A., & Uhlmann, M. (2015). De-radicalization and the Prevention of Radicalization in Germany, Great Britain and Denmark.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-11] Gad, U. P. (2012). Preventing radicalization through dialogue? Self-securitizing narratives versus reflexive conflict dynamics. Critical Studies on Terrorism, 5(3), 391-407.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-12] Githigaro, J. M. (2018). Contributions of Community Based Approaches to Countering Youth Radicalization in Kenya’s Mombasa and Nairobi Counties (Doctoral dissertation, United States International University-Africa).Google Scholar ↗

[refR-13] Guittet, E. P., & Ragazzi, F. (2014). Preventing and countering youth radicalization in the EU. Policy Department C.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-14] Gunaratna, R., & Hussin, S. (Eds.). (2018). Deradicalization and terrorist rehabilitation: A framework for policy-making and implementation. Routledge.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-15] Kaplan, A. (2017). The counter-terrorism puzzle: A guide for decision makers. Abingdon, UK: Routledge.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-16] Khalil, J., & Zeuthen, M. (2014). A case study of counter violent extremism (CVE) programming: Lessons from OTI’s Kenya transition initiative. Stability: International Journal of Security and Development, 3(1).Google Scholar ↗

[refR-17] McCauley, C., & Moskalenko, S. (2008). Mechanisms of political radicalization: Pathways toward terrorism. Terrorism and political violence, 20(3), 415-433.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-18] Wittendorp, S., de Bont, R., Bakker, E., & de Roy van Zuijdewijn, J. (2017). Measures against Jihadist Foreign Fighters: A policy comparison between the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, France, the UK and the US (2010 to 2017). Leiden University, December.Google Scholar ↗