Kenya: Combating Extremist Narratives Around Covid-19

How al Shabaab capitalised on poaching to fund terror

In the early 2010s, illegal wildlife trade surged, coinciding with al Shabaab's terror activities in Kenya. A former poaching gang commander, Abdi Gufu, revealed that his group received training, finance, and arms from al Shabaab. The sophisticated poaching operations, including a notable attack on Lewa Conservancy, were supported by international smuggling networks and facilitated by corrupt wildlife rangers. Despite efforts by organizations like Kenya Wildlife Service and African Wildlife Foundation to combat poaching, the Kinna poaching brigade's activities highlight the complex and evolving challenges in wildlife conservation.

Careful what you catch: Lake Turkana’s fishing communities double down on disease prevention

Lake Turkana's fishing communities in Kenya are intensifying disease prevention efforts amid rising health risks. The region's fish trade, vital for local and regional economies, faces challenges from climate change and disease outbreaks like Ebola and cholera. The Kenyan and Turkana County governments, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, have implemented comprehensive health strategies, including training health workers, establishing isolation centers, and enhancing disease surveillance. These measures aim to protect fisherfolk, traders, and communities, ensuring the safe continuation of the fish trade.

Safari doctors take to the waters to save lives in Kenya

Safari Doctors, a non-profit community-based social enterprise, provides essential healthcare services to remote islands in Lamu County, Kenya. Using boats and dhows, they deliver medical supplies, vaccines, and specialized medical care to areas with limited access to healthcare. The organization also trains local youth health ambassadors to educate communities and mobilize them for health services, including COVID-19 vaccinations. The initiative addresses significant healthcare challenges in the region, such as high maternal mortality rates and lack of essential drugs and equipment.

Somali Women Recall Pain And Punishment Under Al-Shabaab

Suleqha Mahat and Warda Sheikh recount their traumatic experiences under al-Shabaab's rule in Adanyabal, Somalia, where women faced severe restrictions and punishments enforced by the group's Shariah police. The town was liberated by Somali military forces in December 2022, but the community remains traumatized. Many, including Mahat and Sheikh, have fled to Kenya, seeking safety and a new start. Women's rights activist Amran Abdundi calls for support and debriefing centers for those escaping al-Shabaab's control.

An interfaith initiative addresses zero-dose children in Turkana County

Turkana County health authorities are collaborating with faith- and community-based organizations to increase vaccine coverage among zero-dose children. Esther Ewoi, a local mother, learned about the importance of vaccination through health centers after initially relying on traditional medicine. Turkana County faces challenges such as insecurity, climate change, and nomadic lifestyles that hinder vaccine access. Dr. Gilchrist Lokoel, Turkana County's Acting Health Officer, highlights the success of partnerships with organizations like the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar and World Vision in reaching remote communities. The initiative includes malnutrition centers in health facilities and integrated outreaches to address various health needs.

How al-Shabaab have crippled access to health services in Garissa

Al-Shabaab's presence in Garissa, Kenya, has severely disrupted health services, particularly in Fafi sub-county, exacerbating the impact of a prolonged drought. The terrorist group's attacks have led to the closure of health facilities, forcing locals to seek medical help across the border in Somalia or from traditional healers. The article highlights the need for a strategic inter-governmental action plan to address these disruptions, emphasizing the roles of both the national and county governments in restoring health services and ensuring security.

Reaching zero-dose children in northern Kenya

Traditional birth attendants in northern Kenya, led by Halima Arte, are collaborating with local health authorities to raise vaccine awareness and immunize zero-dose children in remote pastoralist communities. Despite challenges such as harsh conditions, insecurity, and marginalization, these efforts are crucial in improving vaccination coverage in the region. The Kenyan government and county units are working with community health workers, cultural elders, and non-state actors to address barriers and promote child immunization through cultural forums and community visits.

How al-Shabaab uses clan conflicts in Mandera to advance their mission

Mandera, a border town in northeastern Kenya, faces significant challenges due to its proximity to Somalia and the presence of Al-Shabaab terrorists. The terrorist group exploits local clan conflicts by supplying sophisticated weapons, exacerbating violence, especially during election periods. Former Al-Shabaab militant Musa reveals how the group recruits and arms local youth, using them to smuggle weapons and gather intelligence. Efforts by civil society organizations and local authorities aim to counter these activities through initiatives like the arms trade treaty and improved security strategies. Despite these efforts, the region remains vulnerable to terrorist activities and inter-clan violence.

Women trailblazers reach out to Covid-19 violence survivors

Before the first Covid-19 case was reported in Kenya and Somalia, Al-Shabaab used loudspeakers to spread misinformation about the virus along the Kenya-Somalia border. Asli Hassan, a victim of Al-Shabaab's violence, recounts her ordeal of being falsely accused of spreading Covid-19 and violently evicted. The terror group exploited the pandemic to instill fear and control border communities. Women like Hassan have taken it upon themselves to document cases of violence, provide health services, and seek legal action against perpetrators. Their advocacy has led to a cultural shift in understanding Covid-19 and reducing the profiling and victimization of women.