Set up units to counter radicalisation, Matiang'i says

Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i addresses a Daily Nation reporter at Jogoo House in Nairobi on June 28, 2016. He said students have become soft targets because terror organisations have changed tact and are now recruiting educated youth into their ranks. PHOTO | WILLIAM OERI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The Institute’s founder and Chief Executive Simiyu Werunga said the Centre will focus in research and policy for professionals interested in addressing conflicts and preventive diplomatic needs.

Education Cabinet Fred Matiang’i wants schools, colleges and universities to set up intelligence units to support the government in preventing radicalisation among students.

He said students have become soft targets because terror organisations have changed tact and are now recruiting educated youth into their ranks.

“As learning institutions, we must be at the forefront in addressing the problem of radicalisation through early detection. Radicalisation is not for the uneducated but the learned ones. Red flags should be detected early to ensure it is under control,” said Dr Matiang’i.

The minister’s remarks were read by the acting Director of Higher Education James Kiburi during the launch of Centre for Security Studies and Diplomacy at KCA University that will offer disciplines in counter terrorism, law enforcement, guard force management and diplomacy among others.

Universities have in the recent past been introducing security training to meet demand professionals as the government and private companies strive to counter terrorism that has become the biggest threat to peace and economy in Kenya.

In the past, such courses were restricted to police and military academies.

The Centre is a collaboration by KCA University and East Africa Institute of Security Studies.

The Institute’s founder and Chief Executive Simiyu Werunga said the Centre will focus in research and policy for professionals interested in addressing conflicts and preventive diplomatic needs.

“The courses will match international standards and target security trends like terrorism. Other white collar crimes like cyber-crime will also be addressed,” he said. Dr Matiang’i added that universities should have common courses in counter terrorism.