Tensions and mistrust within interfaith and interethnic communities have led to violent extremism in Kenya. Mutual understanding and connection are created through honest dialogues and outreach activities.
Kenya has witnessed multiple terror attacks and inter-ethnic clashes, especially in the coastal region of Mombasa and the North-Eastern region of Garissa. This has resulted in mistrust, tensions, hate, stigma and negative perceptions within communities between people of different faiths and ethnicities.
Radicalisation of young people into terror groups has been on the rise in Mombasa, negatively affecting the tourism industry. The result has been an economic slowdown and idle youth vulnerable to drug abuse, crime and further radicalisation.
Safe spaces are created in universities and community locations where people can openly ask questions about other faiths to build understanding and reduce prejudice. Outreach activities, such as sports and planting trees, bring people closer together.
Leaders from each faith community actively advocate for trustbuilding through dialogues and workshops.
Networks of trustbuilders have been established in Garissa and Mombasa. The people in these networks, trained by the trustbuilding team, now run their own trustbuilding initiatives, such as creating a radio station to share positive stories about peace and trust in the communities and local mediation among youths.
'The Muslim youth that live around my church has recently been helping to take care of the church. I have been holding lunches for them. The trustbuilding project gave me the confidence and skills to interact with people from different walks of life for the good of my community.'
~ Christian clergy, Mombasa
'As a Christian, it was the first time I hosted a Muslim person at my home. We had a great time.'
~ Trustbuilding project team member
