Newly-elected pillar leads take charge as Lamu revamps counter-terror plan

Summary

This article reports on a multi-stakeholder workshop in Lamu County, Kenya, convened by the National Counter Terrorism Centre to revise the county's action plan against violent extremism. Newly elected pillar leads are coordinating the review in response to emerging threats from extremist groups, including local recruitment and cross-border movements. Key participants—including county officials, civil society, and community representatives—emphasised the necessity of grassroots involvement, while community leaders highlighted militants' evolving tactics. Civil society actors cautioned that previous plans failed due to funding gaps, mandate overlaps, and mistrust, and stressed the need to address youth unemployment and marginalisation. The revised County Action Plan, set for finalisation later in 2026, aligns with Kenya's national counter‑extremism strategy for 2025–2030 and aims to enhance both preventive measures and rapid response, particularly in remote, under‑policed coastal areas.

Keywords

Lamu, CAP, NCTC, Kenya, violent extremism, coastal Kenya, County Action Plan