From Football Fields to Safe Spaces: Building Youth Resilience in Kenya

Prior to the GCERF-funded programmes, Garbatulla Sub-County in Isiolo faced the risk of violent extremism (VE) among its youth. There were no structured community support systems to assist at-risk youth or those disengaging from extremist groups. Many young people grapple with social issues such as unemployment, drug abuse, trauma, and untreated mental health conditions, leaving them vulnerable to manipulation by extremist recruiters. Community efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism (P/CVE) were sporadic, uncoordinated, and lacked the capacity to provide sustainable rehabilitation and reintegration pathways. As a result, the community continued to face insecurity and weakened social cohesion.

RPPL, through the GCERF-supported SIRR programme, stepped in to bridge the gaps by engaging key community members, such as Abduba, a youth leader and chairperson of the Garbatulla Sub-County Football Federation. Abduba participated in specialised psychosocial support training sessions as a paraprofessional designed to equip him with the knowledge and tools to address trauma, mental health issues, and the social complexities of VE. These engagements deepened his understanding of early detection of radicalisation, community-based interventions, and practical reintegration approaches.

With the knowledge and skills gained through the SIRR program, Abduba transformed the football fields in Garbatulla into safe spaces for over 500 youth, engaging them in dialogue and healing. What were once informal gathering spots now serve as platforms for mentorship and positive social interaction. Through football, Abduba has created a supportive environment that promotes teamwork and resilience against vices such as VE, crime, and drug abuse. He integrates psychosocial support and mental health advocacy into his mentorship, enabling young people to cope with trauma and redirect their energy toward constructive activities. His leadership in community dialogues has also strengthened collaboration between youth, local administrators, and security actors. As a result, there has been an increase in awareness around VE prevention and mental well-being. The model developed in Garbatulla is now being considered by neighbouring sub-counties as a practical example of community-led rehabilitation and reintegration.