Background

Kenya's vulnerability to radicalization is made complex by significant and geographically variable exposure to disasters. Kenya, and the Eastern Africa region in general, are prone to disasters, particularly droughts and floods, which have over time increased in frequency and intensity. Disasters, which adversely affect the arid and semi-arid land (ASAL) regions in Kenya, contribute to a depletion of natural resources and destruction of livelihoods for already often poor and marginalized communities. This has had huge negative consequences for affected communities, deepening vulnerabilities and poverty levels whilst creating economic and social conditions which can give birth to increased intercommunal conflict as well as radicalization, exacerbating insecurity in the region.     

Project objectives

The Enhancing Stablization and Resilience for Communities affected by Violent Conflict and Disasters project, implemented by UNDP and supported by the Government of Japan, is designed to enhance stability and resilience of approximately 300,000 communities' members affected by violent conflict and disasters in Kenya. This will be achieved through working closely with the Government of Kenya on interventions designed to reduce key drivers of violent conflict and disasters, as well as increase community awareness and capacity for conflict and disaster preparedness and response, thereby building resilience and enhacing stability in the communities. Specifically, the project will focus on 3 key outcomes:

1. Capacity for conflict and disaster preparedness and response enhanced, and responsive county and local governments strengthened
2. Sustainable gender sensitive livelihoods and economic engagement enhanced (for youth and communities at risk of radicalization)
3. Cohesive, peaceful, and better organized communities increased