Key message drivers engaged in a conversation seeking “most effective method to counter extremism through media”

Wajir – Media Practitioners from Nothern Kenya have concluded a two-day Focused Group Discussion (FSG) in Wajir over the weekend.

Moderated by officials from the Nothern Kenya Media Practitioners (NKMP) and facilitated by the Horizon Analysts and Researchers Network (HARN), the meeting discussed various aspects of the bid to conter violent extremism through a well packaged messaging through the mainstream and digital media platforms. 

The FSG was attended by key message drivers such as local imams, women leaders community elders, civil society groups and youths.

The meeting comes at the backdrop of recently released surveys which revealed that having “message drivers” at the centre of peace and security programs is a powerful tool to minimise instances of insurgency and pre-empt deadly attacks.

“One of the most outstanding value-addition (of the initiative) is the fact that it’s the first of its kind dedicated to preventing and countering violent extremism by used of media,” noted Siyad Jimale, the Executive Director of HARN. 

Last week during an interview with a local radio station, Dadaab Legislator Farah Maalim said the government needs to change its tactics in the “ever-evolving onslaught by the extremists.”

“We are conducting this FGD in a bid to highlight, among others, the danger posed and the disconnect created when key message drivers are excluded from the peace-building processes as well as the prevention of violent extremism,” Abdikadir Ukash, the Chairman of NKMP said.