Nairobi — Kenya's National Police Service (NPS) officers have completed a rigorous four-day Training of Trainers (TOT) instructors' development workshop focused on Countering Violent Extremism (CVE).
The workshop, which took place at Sarova Woodlands Resort in Nakuru County, aimed to bolster the fight against terrorism by enhancing the skills and knowledge of law enforcement personnel.
The comprehensive training, which concluded on Friday, was designed to empower master trainers in promoting the adoption of the NPS-CVE Training Manual within national and regional police training colleges. Participants were drawn from various NPS training institutions across Kenya, reflecting a broad reach.
It was organized by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) CVE Directorate and sponsored by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), the United Kingdom's leading defense and security think tank, as part of the REINVENT Programme.
The event was led by facilitators of high regard in the field, including Karanja Muraya, Executive Director of ACES - Africa Center, and Dr. Othman Mujahid Bwana, an independent consultant specializing in preventing and countering violent extremism.
Participants were immersed in a wide array of modules addressing essential topics such as countering violent extremism, the processes and drivers of radicalization and recruitment, Kenya's legal and policy framework in response to terrorism and violent extremism, among others.
The goal was not only to educate but also to equip instructors with effective presentation skills, the ability to respond to trainees, and the capacity to lead activities that bolster learning and sustain interest while clarifying any confusion.
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At the workshop's conclusion, Dennis Okadapau, Director of the CVE Directorate at the DCI, commended the participants for their unwavering dedication throughout the training. He underscored the significance of the course in enhancing their skills and knowledge related to key training strategies.
Director Okadapau expressed his confidence that the officers had acquired the expertise needed to pass on essential knowledge to their trainees when the occasion arises.
He also extended gratitude to the sponsors and facilitators for sharing their wisdom and experience in the fight against terrorism, emphasizing the valuable learning opportunity this workshop provided to the officers. The knowledge gained will undoubtedly fortify the Kenyan police's ability to tackle violent extremism and protect national security.
