In a bid to tame violent extremism in Tana River County, Coast based peace and security lobby is planning to launch counter-violent extremism action plan in the County.
Kenya Community Support Centre- KECOSCE says the Action plan will unite the communities and stakeholders in fighting violent extremism that has resulted into series of insecurity incidences in Tana River and other bordering counties of Lamu and Kilifi.
KECOSCE Executive director Phyllis Muema said that the Tana River County Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism will immensely deter the community and especially youth from engaging in violent extremism as well as enable the County and security agents to engage the communities in fighting the security but social vice.
In an interview at KECOSCE’s offices in Mombasa on Wednesday, Ms Muema said that Tana River County needed the action plan so as to contain violent extremism which has posed major security threat at the Coast and the entire country.
“If the County action plan is fully implemented, Tana River County will be the safest County for people to live and invest, let the County government join us in putting the strategy into action,” she added.
She revealed that the Tana River County Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism will require sh. 57 million for its successful implementation annually.
“If the County government sets a budget and other donors among them the USAID, Act! and UKAID join us, Tana River county will be slated for major face-lift on security matters,” she noted.
[KECOSCE Executive director Phyllis Muema addressing local leaders and the Tana River County administration. Photo/Courtesy/KECOSCE]
Muema said the Peace and security organization has been working towards ensuring that all the six Coastal Counties being Kilifi, Kwale, Mombasa, Lamu, Tana river and Taita Taveta launches such action plans since the issue needed more communal and security approach as well.
She said that Tana River County has been used as a hideout for criminals and other dangerous networks following its vast forest coverage adding that violent extremism will be amicably addressed.
“The abduction of Milele Onlus children home volunteer in Chakama Ms. Sylvia Romano about two months ago was closely linked to Tana River extremists, an urgent action is needed to avert such unfortunate incidences that only instill fear into locals,” noted the Peace and security defender.
She said the Action plan to be launched on February 19th, at Tana River will be a game changer in the fight against extremism and crime among communities and especially the youth in the County.
