Kenya to Build New Prison for Islamic Radicals

In an attempt to curb radicalization, Kenyan authorities plan to build a separate prison for jihadists to prevent the spread of extremism throughout the prison system, according to Reuters. Security has been an increasing concern for Kenya in recent years, especially as Somali terrorist organization, al-Shabaab, wreaks havoc throughout the East African nation. Many officials fear that terrorism will destabilize many parts of the country and scare away foreign investors.

In an attempt to curb radicalization, Kenyan authorities plan to build a separate prison for jihadists to prevent the spread of extremism throughout the prison system, according to Reuters. Security has been an increasing concern for Kenya in recent years, especially as Somali terrorist organization, al-Shabaab, wreaks havoc throughout the East African nation. Many officials fear that terrorism will destabilize many parts of the country and scare away foreign investors.

Terrorism is becoming a wider problem in many regions of the world, and attacks have become more sophisticated over the decades. Al-Shabaab’s long-term mission is to weaken the Kenyan government economically by scaring away tourists and investors, while degrading Kenya’s ability to fight the organization in Somalia, notes the New Statesman. Terrorists have concentrated their attacks on Kenyan coastlines, prompting flight cancellations and travel warnings against Kenya.

Spreading Poison

Authorities are not only concerned about radicalism in the prison system, but within the population as a whole. Kenya has dealt with numerous devastating attacks throughout the years, most notably at Garissa University, where over 140 people were killed. With the Kenyan economy in such a fragile state, these onslaughts add to Kenya’s tarnished image of an unstable country. Many businesses are susceptible to the ramifications of terrorism, preventing some companies from forging partnerships abroad. Officials can do little, as Somali terrorists cross borders, but Kenyan forces have been successful in fighting terrorism in Somalia.

Global Problem

A report from security consultancy firm, Control Risks, states that terrorism ranks as one of the top risks that comes along with doing business in Kenya for 2016. The report highlights that terrorism is a primary concern with many nations around the world, but Kenya is one of many states that has been unable to improve security on a large scale.

Radicalism is an issue endemic to large parts of Africa. While al-Shabaab retains notoriety in East Africa, West Africa contends with terrorist group Boko Haram, an organization that has taken thousands of lives. African states are united in combating the terrorist problem, but governments seem to be losing the war as terrorists cross borders and go underground when facing heavy attacks from government forces.

Internal Mistakes

The Kenyan government has faced criticism for effectively fighting al-Shabaab in Somalia, but not within its own borders. Limited intelligence and corruption are factors that hamper the government’s ability to bolster security, and the indiscriminate harassment of Somali immigrants certainly has not helped matters. While the effectiveness of a jihadi prison is up for debate, it is only a short-term solution to a long-term problem.