Students from 21 public and private universities gathered at Multimedia University of Kenya on Thursday to launch a four‑day debate championship organised by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and the Youth Arts Development and Entrepreneurship Network (YADEN).

The competition is designed to examine how religious organisations, learning institutions, non‑governmental organisations and individuals can each contribute to preventing violent extremism and youth recruitment.

Participants voiced differing views: some argued that faith groups bear the greatest responsibility, others highlighted NGOs’ broader reach, while another faction pointed to schools as key in shaping responsible adults, and a few stressed personal accountability.

NCTC Chief Liaison Officer for Prevention and Reconciliation Joseph Kanyiri said the event aims to build student resilience, teach them to reject recruitment tactics and recognise online and offline methods used by extremist groups.

Kanyiri warned that extremist outfits specifically target academically strong youths, seeking to exploit their skills for propaganda, planning attacks and spreading violent narratives.

The championship also seeks to inform students about avoiding involvement in violence or being used as foot‑soldiers as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.

Through structured debates, students are encouraged to disagree respectfully, give space for differing opinions and ensure their own voices are heard, reinforcing the idea that young people can act as peace ambassadors.

Kanyiri noted a partnership with the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), which will stress the need for cohesive living and the avoidance of hate speech that can fuel extremist narratives.

He highlighted that most radicalisation activity occurs on digital platforms, where footprints of online interactions, emails and financial transfers can be traced by investigators.

NCIC Director of Public Outreach and Engagement Killian Nyambu added that the forum will teach disciplined engagement during disagreements, positioning debate as a tool for students to articulate divergent views while maintaining civility.

YADEN Executive Director Sami Gathii emphasized that the debate is student‑run, aiming to shift the narrative that young people are merely subjects of discussion to active contributors in solving the radicalisation problem.

Represented institutions include UMMA University, Kenyatta University, Strathmore University, USIU, University of Nairobi, Karatina University and Multimedia University, among others, reflecting a broad cross‑section of Kenya’s higher‑education sector.