Impact of Women in Counter Violent Extremism in East Africa: A Case Study of Mombasa, Kilifi and Lamu Counties in Kenya

The study explored the concept of the impact of women in countering violent extremism in Kenya. Women play a critical role in encouraging social cohesion and countering violent extremism yet they are not frilly incorporated into counter violent extremism measures and policies in Kenya. The purpose of the study was to examine the role of women in countering violent extremism in Kenya. The specific objectives included to analyze the strength of the legal framework in relation to countering violent extremism in Kenya. To examine the role of women in countering violent extremism in Kenya. To explore the impact of women in countering violent extremism in Kenya. To analyze the challenges women face in countering violent extremism in Mombasa, Kilifi and Lamu. The study adopted three theories. General Strain theory. Securitization theory and social identification theory. The study employed a cross sectional survey research design. The survey was conducted using structured questionnaires and interview guides which comprised of multiples dosed and open-ended questions. The study was carried out in 3 Coastal Counties of Kilifi, Mombasa and Lamu. The population was from the three counties with Mombasa having 1,208,333 people. Kilifi County 1.453,787 people and Lamu County with 143,920 people. From this target population, the study involved a sample of respondents from the age of 18 to 50 years and above. The sample size for the respondents who filled the questionnaires was 72 while the ones who participated in Key informant interviews were fifteen. The study used purposive sampling to determine the key respondents interviewees from which a snow balling technique was employed. The research used telephone interviews and assured that interviewee's responses were confidential for the study purposes only. The Key Informants Interviews involved 15 respondents including community leaders, VE experts, trained peer leaden and women leader in CBO related involved in CVE and women rights. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Questionnaires and interviews were used as took of data collection. The quantitative data was analyzed with the help of SPSS while qualitative data was analyzed based on content analysis. The findings were presented inform of tables and explanations. The study revealed that there were gaps in relevant regulations content and enforcement. The study also showed that women played critical roles in combating violent extremism. Finally, the study revealed that women faced a number of challenges in trying to counter violent extremism.