This slender volume analyzes the changing landscape of violent extremism (VE) and countervailing efforts in Kenya, arguably Africa’s focal point of this global affliction. Nairobi-based independent scholar Githigaro investigates how different stakeholders—security actors, society, scholars, and local communities—experience and perceive extremism and its countermeasures. He bases his study on several years of fieldwork and interviews in Nairobi and Mombasa, informed by existing literature and complementary theories of political socialization, securitization, and social movements. Kenya’s concerted efforts to address VE have evolved from its initial, state-centric, “hard power” strategies to incorporate community-focused, “soft power” approaches. Githigaro identifies various flaws, missteps, and shortcomings that continue to hinder public trust and cooperation and offers some broad recommendations for enhancing community engagement. By highlighting the various voices and discourses surrounding VE at multiple levels and in different social contexts, his work reinforces the current trend toward more holistic, nuanced, and sensitive assessments and policy responses. Recommended. Advanced undergraduates through faculty; professionals.

Choice Reviews

Africa has become the new battleground for jihadists. Understanding why this is so, is crucial if one seeks to defeat the menace of Islamist terrorism. In this groundbreaking study, John Mwangi Githigaro examines pathways to extremism and counterterrorism in Kenya from the perspective of both the state and local communities. Theoretically anchored and empirically sound with extensive primary interviews conducted to support the extensive secondary works consulted, this book is a must-read for academics and policymakers.

Hussein Solomon, University of the Free State

The normative and empirical issues raised in this impressive book, significantly contribute to the academic and policy literature on stake holders' perceptions of violent extremism threats and the potential of community-based countering violent extremism approaches in Kenya. This book is highly suitable for any audience interested in broadening their knowledge of countering violent extremism in the Global South.

Oscar Gakuo Mwangi, University of Rwanda