Art against terror: At Eastleigh event, creatives take stance against radicalisation

Artists, dancers, actors and others in the creative industry gathered in Eastleigh, Nairobi, on Monday to launch an initiative aimed at curbing radicalisation into violent extremism.

The Youth Arts, Development and Entrepreneurship Network (YADEN East Africa) launched the InSolidarity Project in collaboration with the National Integrated Prevention of Violent Extremism Initiative (NiPi) consortium.

The programme aims to engage stakeholders at different levels in improving the capacity of national, county, and grassroots entities to effectively address the challenge of violent extremism.

The event at the California ICT hub brought together arts groups such as Maono Africa Centre for Transformation from Dandora, Ruka Juu Acrobatic from Viwandani, Alphas Arts from Mukuru Kayaba, and the Tarumbeta African Cultural Group.

Members of the groups used dance, drama, film and voice showcases to send messages to communities.

A dance group at the California ICT hub in Eastleigh, Nairobi, on February 26, 2024, during the launch of the InSolidarity Project against violent extremism. (Photo: Paul Aginnah)

YADEN East Africa Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sami Gathii commended the participants for their dedication to countering violent extremism and encouraged them to continue working towards creating a safer society.

"Society works together to find solutions," he said, adding they would send more invitations for collaborative initiatives to benefit society.

Ismael Moalim, the regional security coordinator at the Netherlands embassy in Nairobi, described the event and the participants as an inspiration.

"Partnering with YADEN East Africa and various groups using the arts [to fight extremism] has been a worthwhile idea. I have witnessed the impact in different parts of the country," he said.

Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan thanked the organisations and their partners for their efforts in making a difference in the community.

"I thank all of you for using your skills in the arts to bring to light issues that impact our community. Your work is making a difference and showing that terrorism does not pay. We have a unique opportunity to change our society for the better as we are rich in the youth. Congratulations to all our partners and organisations for their dedication and efforts."

Victor Ndolo, director of the Maono Africa Centre for Transformation, noted that "art pays".

"We want to engage more youths and try to get investors, well-wishers and donors to help us enhance our efforts," he said.

Michael Oduor, group coordinator of the Tarumbeta African Cultural Group, said it is important to empower and keep the youth engaged to prevent radicalisation.

"We must unite and empower our youth to combat the evils of terrorism. Let us fill their minds and hearts with positivity and productivity, for an idle mind is the devil's playground. Together, we say 'no' to violent extremism. Stop terrorism now," he said.

Christine Mutia, the monitoring and evaluation officer at Share Development Solutions Consulting, emphasised the importance of using art to create prevention narratives and engage with the community.

The programme initially aims to reach youths in 25 counties through evidence-based interventions focused on community engagement and capacity-building to combat radicalisation and violent extremism.

The counties wer selected based on vulnerability assessments by actors in the Global Programme on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE).

They include Nairobi, Kiambu, Nyeri, Mombasa, Lamu, Kilifi, Kwale, Tana River, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Kisumu and Migori. The others are Siaya, Kisii, Nyamira, Homa Bay, Busia, Bungoma, Vihiga, Kakamega, Isiolo, Marsabit, Wajir, Mandera and Garissa.