Human Development Agenda (HUDA) successfully facilitated a community dialogue forum under the USAID Sauti Yako Amani Yako Program, a peacebuilding initiative funded by USAID Kenya through Mercy Corps.
The forum brought together key community stakeholders from Msambweni sub-county, including youth leaders, women representatives, peace committees, and interfaith leaders. The goal of the session was to identify pressing challenges related to violent extremism (VE) and develop sustainable, community-led solutions to address these concerns.
Addressing the Rise of Youth Gangs and Violent Extremism
One of the major concerns highlighted during the discussions was the increasing involvement of juveniles and young people in gang activities. Participants noted that the rise of these groups is becoming a major security threat, emphasizing the urgent need for community-driven interventions to prevent further radicalization and violence.
Through the dialogue, participants were able to:
- Analyze the local VE landscape—understanding the root causes and risk factors leading to youth involvement in violent groups.
- Share community-driven approaches—discussing strategies that have proven effective in other areas to mitigate the spread of gang activities.
- Strengthen collaboration—fostering partnerships between community members, local authorities, and civil society organizations to promote peace and security.
At HUDA, we firmly believe that meaningful change starts with open, inclusive, and action-driven dialogues. By empowering local communities to lead these conversations, we ensure that solutions are not just imposed but are rooted in local realities making them more effective and sustainable.
The journey to restoring peace, protecting young people from radicalization, and fostering safer communities requires a collective effort. Let’s continue working together to drive change from the grassroots!
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