Febuary 28, 2023 The Kenya Division reports on recent initiatives.

Unlike Somalia or Yemen, Kenya is not a region of intense conflict. However, the Somalia-based non-state armed group Al-Shabaab carries out t attacks and recruits fighters in Kenya, necessitating various countermeasures. Furthermore, since we implemented projects in Kenya prior to launching initiatives in Somalia itself, we have continuously carried out activities there since our establishment.

Recent initiatives in Kenya

Over the past year, we have primarily focused on income generation support for unemployed youth. Additionally, we have conducted training on countering violent extremism for government agency staff, involving the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), and awareness-raising activities on preventing youth radicalization for local community representatives, involving UN agencies such as UN-HABITAT, IOM, and UNDP, across various regions of Kenya. ▲Training session for government agency staff

Furthermore, leveraging our experience in Somalia and Yemen, we began initiatives in March 2023 to support the social reintegration of former combatants in Kenyan prisons.

Regarding income generation support for unemployed youth at high risk of radicalization mentioned earlier, we secured a two-year grant commissioned by JICA, Japan’s ODA agency, and the project commenced in December 2022. In January 2023, we conducted instructor training for 15 staff members from the local NGO collaborating on this project. In February, we conducted training for 30 young people together with them.

Instructor training

The 15 individuals dispatched by the collaborating local NGO underwent the same 10-day training program as the actual participants.

We completely revamped the 100-page textbook used in previous initiatives. Beyond smartphone repair skills, the training covered know-how for identifying fault causes, case studies using real examples, techniques for customer acquisition and communication, and know-how for purchasing parts and setting prices. We also added fundamental business skills applicable beyond smartphone repair. This training incorporated insights from individuals running smartphone repair businesses in both Kenya and Japan. ▲Participants repairing Android smartphones during instructor training

Furthermore, we implemented multiple knowledge checks throughout the training period, not just a final completion test, to gradually enhance proficiency. We also provide repair toolkits so participants can transition directly into business operations immediately after completing the training. That said, we encourage participants to acquire customers even during the 10-day training period, and 7 out of 15 participants secured their first customer before graduation.

Thus, not only are the instructor training results evident, but the 30 young unemployed individuals who participated in the training alongside the instructors in February 2023 are also steadily acquiring customers. Follow-up efforts to achieve income generation goals are progressing smoothly. ▲Scene from a confirmation test during instructor training

Furthermore, the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), which collaborates with us on prison initiatives, also highly values this program. We were able to discuss the potential for expanding these efforts to other regions. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the Kenya Division can carry out meaningful initiatives.

Our independent activities, unaffected by government directives, are made possible by the support of everyone, starting with our “Accept Ambassadors” who can participate in our activities from as little as 10 USD per month.

We would be deeply honored to work alongside you all to challenge the resolution of terrorism and conflict from Japan.