British High Commissioner to Kenya Nic Hailey has said the UK will continue working with Kenya to defeat threat posed by radicalization, terrorism and violent extremism.
Speaking while he made a courtesy call on Coast Regional Coordinator Nelson Marwa to his office on Tuesday, Hailey said security in Kenya and UK was interlinked and challenges affecting UK also affects Kenya.
During the visit the two had open discussion about on threat of terrorism and extremism, touching on why youth are being radicalized and drawn into the web of terrorism groups with perverted ideology.
"Terrorism a threat we face in the UK with our own young people and it is also here in Kenya. It is a threat that we face together. The UK is more secure when Kenya is more secure. That is why we work together,” Mr Hailey said.
TOURISM
Mr. Hailey noted the importance of tourism sector for Kenyan economy especially at the Coast region saying that UK remains a top source of Kenya’s international tourists.
Tourism sector comes with it jobs for youth, tourism is heavily relied on at the coast region and UK with continue partnering with Kenya in keeping the country safe, Mr. Hailey added.
UNEMPLOYMENT
Youth unemployment’s remain a key challenge with jihadist group taking advantage to lure them with money and a good lifestyle.
The envoy stressed on the importance for the youth to have a decent future and jobs they can be proud of and identify with.
He also noted a UK-sponsored youth employment programme in Mombasa that has created 5,000 jobs already and a further 8,000 youths trained ready to join job market.
The envoy cautioned that security challenges can not only be won by arresting the right people but also by looking for youths who are disconnected, without jobs. Those need to be identified before they are lured into jihadist circles.
