NCIC raises alarm over high rate of radicalization in universities

NCIC raises alarm over high rate of radicalization in universities

The Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya National Integration Cohesion Commission (NCIC), Hassan Sheikh Mohamed, has raised concern over the high rate of youth being radicalized in higher learning institutions.
Mohamed stated that the rate at which youth in higher institutions of learning are joining radicalized groups is alarming thus putting the country’s future in jeopardy as well as exposing the residents to unnecessary fear.
 
The CEO was speaking during the official opening of the National Conference on Countering Violent Extremism, Anti-Radicalization and Peaceful Election at the Jaramogi Odinga University in Bondo.
Over 200 youth and university students drawn from 69 institutions of higher learning and youth leaders from the 47 counties were in attendance.

He pointed out that the high levels of negative ethnicity peddled in the social media platforms as the greatest impediment in the fight against tribalism in the country.

According to the CEO, curbing the vice on misuse of social media platforms to spread tribalism and hatred in the country remains the commissions top priority as the country prepares for the 2017 General Election.
He stated that although the Constitution provides for freedom of expression, the same Constitution bars individuals from spreading propaganda of war and hate speech of any nature as one enjoys the freedom of expression.
The NCIC chief disclosed that a study conducted in 2014 by  the commission on social cohesion index indicates that the highest perpetrators of ethnic hatred and tribalism on social media platforms are individuals with high level of education.
The two-day conference organized by an NGO, County Governance Watch, was graced by Siaya County Deputy Governor Ouma Onyango who asked the youth to desist from acts of violence and extremism for the sake of their country and upholding their family’s image.
 
He said the challenges the youth are facing motivate violent the youth into fighting and engaging in negative activities.
He called on the NCIC to ensure equal distribution of the resources so that other people do not feel left out.
County Governance Watch Executive Director, Kevin Osido, said the conference is aimed at sensitizing the educated youth on the dangers of violent extremism and how to avoid being radicalized since they are the main targets of the terror groups.

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youth kenya NCIC Kenya National Integration Cohesion Commission (NCIC) Hassan Sheikh Mohamed Kenya National Integration Cohesion Commission (NCIC) Hassan Sheikh Mohamed Radicalization of youth

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