Residents and security stakeholders in Wajir County have been urged to strengthen collaboration and vigilance in addressing emerging threats related to terrorism and violent extremism.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ sensitisation forum organised by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Wajir East, Deputy County Commissioner George Onyango said the engagement aimed at enhancing cooperation between the public and security agencies.
The forum brought together officers from national government departments, the county security team, youth representatives, persons with disabilities and members of the community.
“We are here to ensure stakeholders speak the same language in identifying threats, understand how to report them and use appropriate reporting channels,” he said.
He said the forum also sought to sensitise members of the public on how to identify activities that may be classified as terrorism and the steps to take.
Onyango noted that the meeting was part of ongoing engagements to review progress and strengthen community participation in security matters.
“Terrorism is not only a national concern but also a global and regional issue and requires collective responsibility,” he added.
A representative from the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Gilbert Robb, said the Community Security Dialogue programme is aimed at strengthening relations between communities and law enforcement agencies.
Robb said the initiative brings together community-based organisations, opinion leaders, persons with disabilities and security agencies to discuss issues related to terrorism and violent extremism.
“We provide a platform for structured dialogue to address security challenges and promote coordinated responses,” he said.
He noted that the programme seeks to bridge the gap between communities and security agencies and enhance trust.
Robb emphasized the role of the public in sharing information, noting that early reporting is key in preventing security threats.
Stakeholders called for sustained engagement and cooperation to enhance security and protect livelihoods in the county.
By Hamdi Buthul
