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Counter-terrorism centre launches portal to raise awareness on violent extremism

NCTC Director Rosalind Nyawira at a past event. (X/NCTC)

By Mary Wambui | Tuesday, April 2, 2024

The portal was launched at Garissa University during the commemoration of the 2015 attack.

The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) has launched a public information portal to increase public awareness of the threat of violent extremism.

The centre said "Jasiri observatory" which translates to "resilience observatory" will be used to sensitise, inform, and empower individuals and communities to understand and respond to violent ideologies peddled by extremist groups.

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The portal was launched at Garissa University during the commemoration of the 2015 attack.

NCTC Director Rosalind Nyawira called on Kenyans to explore the portal to learn more about violent extremism and ways in which they can avoid falling prey to radical ideologies aimed at propagating hate, fear, and violence in society.

"Violent extremism is a threat to national security. This portal empowers individuals and communities to identify and discredit violent extremist ideologies, facilitating public dialogue on the threat of violent extremism."

"We want Kenyans to speak out against violent extremism through this portal, hence the appellation "Jasiri" which is Kiswahili for resilience," she said during its launch at the university.

The centre, according to Dr Nyawira, chose to launch the portal today, as the day provides an opportune moment for Kenyans to reflect on the strides made towards making the country safe from terrorism and violent extremism.

During the attack at the institution, 148 individuals lost their lives, and 80 others were left wounded.

The portal will act as a public repository for anyone seeking to learn about various manifestations of violent extremism.

"It will also strengthen efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism, a process that involves directly addressing the underlying drivers of terrorism using non-coercive strategies including counter-messaging, public outreach, and de-radicalisation programmes," the centre notes.

The portal will further aid in the implementation of the upcoming national strategy to counter violent extremism.