Kenya and UK celebrate gains against violent extremism at Ethiopia and Somalia borders
The Sh2.5 billion Deris Wanaag programme combines community dialogue, early warning systems, and targeted interventions to curb Al-Shabaab and boost border security.
Kenya and the United Kingdom have praised the impact of a more than two-and-a-half-year initiative aimed at countering violent extremism and enhancing security along Kenya’s borders with Ethiopia and Somalia.
The Sh2.5 billion project, dubbed Deris Wanaag—a Somali phrase meaning "good neighbourliness"—is a regional peace and security programme focused on reducing instability in the Mandera border triangle.
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The initiative combines “soft” strategies such as conflict resolution, community dialogue, early warning systems, and rapid response mechanisms with targeted interventions identified by the Ministry of Interior to counter the influence of al-Shabaab and strengthen local capacities to prevent radicalisation. It has been active for over two years, integrating security, development, and peacebuilding efforts to address regional insecurity and support local conflict resolution mechanisms in communities across the three bordering states.
"Deris Wanaag has played a pivotal role in addressing threats posed by al-Shabaab and resolving local conflicts that undermine peace. Building on the success of previous UK-supported programmes in the Northeastern region, the initiative has delivered tangible results, including improved cross-border security coordination and enhanced community resilience," Kenya and the UK said on Thursday after reviewing the programme’s impact during a three-day meeting in Mombasa that concluded today.
Interior PS Raymond Omollo said the review was timely, noting that insecurity is evolving across the Horn of Africa, driven by factors ranging from local resource conflicts to transnational threats such as violent extremism, illicit trade, and climate stress.
"This engagement, therefore, is not just about reviewing activities or progress on a work plan. It is about refining a vision where border communities are not seen as helpless bystanders, but as central pillars of Kenya's and the region's security architecture," he said.
Sustainable peace
Mr Ben Fisher, Head of the UK's Integrated Security Fund and Senior Regional Conflict Advisor at the British High Commission, highlighted the partnership as an example of the UK’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s efforts to build sustainable peace in border regions.
"By integrating community-led approaches with strategic interventions, we are seeing real progress in countering radicalisation and fostering peace in our border regions," he said.
Mr Ibrahim Somo, Team Leader of Deris Wanaag, praised the collaboration between the programme and the Ministry of Interior, calling it an example of how coordinated action and mutual trust can strengthen security and resilience in Kenya’s border areas.
"By fostering closer collaboration between security actors and local communities, we are enhancing the collective capacity to address the persistent threat of al-Shabaab and advancing our shared vision for sustainable peace and stability," he said.
Through its initiatives, Deris Wanaag has helped communities build resilience against violent extremism, empowered them to identify and address their security priorities, and strengthened national responses to insecurity.
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