The Kenya Council of Imams and Preachers (CIPK) has launched a security initiative to help fight radicalization and student extremism in secondary schools.
The programme, which was kicked off last week has now been extended to Mombasa County, and is expected to spread to the more vulnerable counties of Mandera and Garissa in the coming weeks.
On Wednesday, student representatives from over 30 schools convened at Mbaraki Nursery School to receive training on how to cushion themselves against radicalization.
CIPK organizing Secretary Sheikh Mohamed Khalifa said secondary students have now become the soft targets for terrorist recruiters.
“We have witnessed cases of high school students being recruited into these terrorist groups and we saw the good to teach them so that they may avoid being brainwashed by radical teachings,” said Sheikh Khalifa.
“We are calling on the government and other interested stakeholders to support such peace programs,” he added, saying that they are also planning to reach out to state security forces.
Khalifa further said the program will additionally create awareness on the dangers of drug abuse among the youth.