Youth Radicalisation in Kenya University Perspective

Abstract

The aim of this research is to investigate the youth radicalisation in Kenya. The study sought to investigate recruitment of youth to the unlawful groups, sponsors of unlawful groups, gender prone to unlawful groups, level of education and preventive measures against radicalisation among youth in Kenya. The study observed that radicalisation was going on in Central, Nairobi, Eastern, Nyanza, North Eastern, Coast, Western and Rift Valley regions in Kenya. The study revealed that the politicians were the leading sponsors towards radicalisation of the youth. Further, the study observed that politicians heavily sponsored the youth during the last year before election. The study revealed that males were more prone to radicalisation than females. In addition, the study reported that university students were the most prone learners towards radicalisation. Therefore, it was evident that the higher the level of education the more students were prone to radicalisation while the employed youths were least prone to radicalisation. The study revealed that the potential determinants to radicalisation were unemployment and poverty. The study observed that tobacco, bang and alcohol were the most abused drugs among the members of the unlawful groups. In absence of traditional reference groups the youth may be magnetically be attracted to a cult, gang, or subversive group. This may be as result of looking for a sense of love and belonging, sense of self-acceptance or sense of approval. . It is the obligation of the government and society to build Ego and Psychic strength for the youth. This can be done through effective mentorship programmes, guidance and counselling, as well as involving the youth in decision making.