| dc.description.abstract | Radicalization among the youth takes place in the country and affects the grass-root
areas. The youth are believed to be the most vulnerable and are targeted by militia
organizations like Al Shabaab to execute their missions against the people. This study,
therefore, sought to determine the role of counter narratives as a response to youth
radicalization in Garissa Township Sub County, Garissa County, Kenya. The study was
based on the radicalization theory, framing theory and cognitive dissonance theory.
The study was guided by the following specific objectives: To establish the nature of
counter narrative strategies used to prevent youth radicalization, to establish how
counter narratives have contributed to reduction of youth radicalization, to determine
challenges faced when developing counter narrative strategies to deal with youth
radicalization and to assess the measures that can help mitigate the challenges in
developing counter narrative strategies to reduce youth radicalization. The study used
a descriptive research design and used a target population of 13,511, out of which a
sample of 384 was drawn. The study relied on primary data collected using semistructured questionnaires and key informant interview guides (KIIs). Secondary data
was also used especially data on radicalization in the study area. The pilot study was
carried out in Lagdera, a sub-county neighbouring Garissa Township sub-county, and
has similar radicalization issues as those of the study area. A Cronbach Alpha
coefficient of 0.877 was obtained. Validity was enhanced by university supervisors.
Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics which include frequency
counts and percentages to capture the distribution of responses on the key issues
addressed in the study objectives. The findings from quantitative data was presented
using figures and tables. The qualitative data collected from KIIs and open-ended
questions in the questionnaire were analyzed using thematic analysis and presented
through verbatims/ narratives. The study found that radicalization was going on in the
sub county. The study found that 181 (56.4%) of the respondents indicated that
radicalization was going on in the sub county. Factors such as palatable ground laid by
the local community, poverty, unemployed youths, lack of education, low numbers of
rehabilitation centres, and poor relationship with the government contributed to
radicalization in the sub county. The study also found that 270 (84.1%) of the
respondents identified existence campaigns geared towards addressing stereotypes/
prejudice of the Christian religion, sustained stereotypes and strengthening the
community. Further, the study determined that the residents (63.2%) were not involved
in designing or delivering counter narrative campaigns in the sub county. However, the
residents were aware of the measures by the police/security officers that contribute to
preventing radicalization. The study concluded building trust among communities,
involving religious leaders, conveying knowledge to the youths and understanding of
radicalization were some of the strategies used to prevent radicalization in the sub
county. However, financial constraints, lack of support from the government and lack
of education for the youths were major challenges faced in the development of counter
narrative strategies. The study recommends the implementation of county action plan
which addresses the issues of the youth joining radical groups, re-establishment of the
community security committees, involvement of the affected parties and an affirmative
action to allocate resources both at the county and national level to fight radicalization
at the grass root level | en_US |
