IRCK Leads National Interfaith Convention to Strengthen Kenya’s Fight Against Violent Extremism

-

Nairobi, Kenya – The Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK) on Monday opened the National Interfaith Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) Convention in Nairobi, bringing together faith leaders, government institutions, civil society organizations, youth representatives, and international development partners for a two-day dialogue aimed at strengthening Kenya’s response to violent extremism.

The convention, themed "Strengthening Interfaith Governance for a Resilient, Inclusive, and Gender-Responsive P/CVE in Kenya," seeks to enhance collaboration among key stakeholders and develop practical strategies for building peaceful and resilient communities across the country.

Speaking during the opening session, IRCK Executive Director Mr. Linus Nthigai emphasized the critical role faith leaders play in preventing radicalization and promoting social cohesion. He noted that IRCK’s initiatives in Kilifi, Kisumu, and Marsabit counties, implemented with support from UNDP Kenya and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), had demonstrated the effectiveness of collaborative approaches involving faith leaders, government agencies, and local communities.
Nthigai said sustainable peace and security can only be achieved when all sectors of society work together to address the root causes of extremism and foster inclusive development.

IRCK Head of Programmes Mr. Rolex Mwamba highlighted one of the convention’s key expected outcomes—the establishment of an Interfaith and Ideological Working Group on Gender and P/CVE. According to Mwamba, the proposed platform will strengthen coordination among stakeholders while ensuring that women, youth, and other often underrepresented groups play a meaningful role in shaping peacebuilding and counter-extremism efforts.

Kenya Interfaith Youth Network Chairman Mr. Ambrose Kilonzo underscored the importance of incorporating lessons learned from grassroots interventions into national policymaking. He said experiences gathered from communities across the country provide valuable evidence on effective approaches to preventing violent extremism and can help inform more responsive and impactful national strategies.

The convention is expected to conclude on Tuesday with the formal adoption of terms of reference for interfaith forums and the development of an implementation roadmap that will guide future collaboration and action.

Participants expressed optimism that the forum would strengthen partnerships, deepen interfaith engagement, and contribute to a more resilient, inclusive, and peaceful Kenya in the face of evolving security challenges.

Popular posts from this blog

IGAD Executive Secretary Calls for United AI and Cybersecurity Strategy to Secure Horn of Africa

-
Image
By irene  The Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, has issued a compelling call for regional collaboration in adopting artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity measures to safeguard the future of security, development, and digital resilience across the Greater Horn of Africa. Speaking during the Regional Consultative Seminar on Harnessing Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity for Security, Cooperation, and Resilience, Dr. Gebeyehu emphasized the transformative potential of technology when guided by ethical leadership and human-centered values. “Technology best serves humanity when we, as humanity, guide its development,” he said, while addressing dignitaries including Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for ICT Hon. William Kabogo and the Norwegian Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Gunnar Andreas Holm. The IGAD chief cited AI as a critical tool in enhancing regional law enforcement capabilities, combatin...
Read more

Incoming Nairobi Women Representative Florence Kilasi Calls for Women-Centered Leadership During Donholm Church Service

-
Image
Incoming Nairobi Women Representative Hon. Florence Kilasi on Sunday joined congregants for a church service in Donholm, where she held engagements with women and youth on the importance of leadership that prioritizes empowerment and community development. Speaking during the gathering, Kilasi encouraged women to remain united and actively support leaders committed to uplifting families, creating opportunities for women, and initiating beneficial projects that improve livelihoods across Nairobi. The incoming Nairobi Women Representative emphasized the need for inclusive leadership that listens to the concerns of ordinary wananchi, especially women struggling with unemployment, economic hardship, and limited access to empowerment opportunities. Kilasi noted that women play a critical role in shaping society and should be at the forefront of leadership and decision-making processes. She pledged to champion programs aimed at empowering women economically, supportin...
Read more

Campaigner CitizenGO Ann Kioko Leads 12,000 Kenyans in Urgent Plea to President: Reject UN SOGI Vote, Defend Family and National Values

-
Image
By irene Mwende  NAIROBI, KENYA – Ann Kioko, the Campaign Director for CitizenGO Africa, has delivered a powerful petition on behalf of 12,620 concerned Kenyan citizens, urging President William Ruto to immediately clarify and retract Kenya’s recent vote at the United Nations in favor of extending the controversial mandate on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI). In a strongly worded statement, Kioko expressed deep urgency and grave concern over Kenya’s July 5, 2025 vote endorsing the renewal of the so-called UN Independent Expert on SOGI. According to Kioko, this decision was made without any public consultation or national debate and starkly contradicts the spirit of Kenya’s Constitution, which recognizes the family as the natural and fundamental unit of society. “The SOGI mandate is far from a neutral human rights mechanism,” Kioko said. “It has evolved into a politicized tool used to pressure sovereign nations to accept ideologies that threaten ...
Read more