By Caroline Katana
East African countries are intensifying regional efforts to counter the growing threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), increasingly used by terrorist networks such as Al-Shabaab and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
Porous borders, outdated legislation, and the widespread availability of dual-use materials, including chemicals, fertilizers, and consumer electronics, have been identified as key drivers of this threat.
The Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) East Africa Capacity-Building Working Group convened a high-level, forum at Swahili Beach Hotel in Diani, Kwale county bringing together peace and security stakeholders from across the East African region.
The forum focused on preventive, coordinated, and whole-of-society approaches to dismantle IED supply chains and strengthen community resilience.
Kibiego Kigen, Director of Kenya’s National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), emphasized that legal reform, operational coordination, and community engagement are central to countering IED threats.
Global Counterterrorism Forum.
“Porous borders and outdated laws continue to fuel terrorist networks. Updating legislation, strengthening border security, enhancing intelligence sharing, and actively involving communities are critical steps to prevent attacks before they occur,” Kigen said during his opening remarks.
While East Africa has witnessed alarming growth in the prevalence and sophistication of IED attacks, the director noted that West Africa remains among the most affected regions globally, with four of the ten hardest-hit countries recorded in 2023 and an estimated 1,600 incidents.
IEDs have wide-ranging consequences beyond immediate casualties.
They exacerbate economic losses, displace populations, destroy critical infrastructure, and contaminate farmland, undermining agriculture and local livelihoods.
Between 2010 and mid-2022, the region recorded a marked increase in IED incidents, reflecting a continental security challenge that requires coordinated responses.
Kigen highlighted systemic challenges in legal and operational frameworks that allow terrorist networks to thrive, including inconsistent legislation, weak penalties, limited data sharing, unclear mandates between military and police units, and the rapid online dissemination of bomb-making knowledge.
“Communities are our first line of defense. Awareness campaigns, early-warning systems, and programs to prevent radicalization empower citizens to identify and report threats before they escalate,” he added.
Kenya has anchored its IED prevention strategy on robust legal frameworks, including the Counter-Terrorism Act, 2012 and the NCTC Act, 2018, which enable coordinated intelligence operations, regulation of dual-use materials, and prosecution of IED-related crimes.
At the regional level, frameworks under the East African Community (EAC) promote harmonized laws and cross-border cooperation, helping to close loopholes exploited by terrorist networks.
The forum emphasized inter- and intra-agency coordination, ensuring real-time intelligence sharing between police, military, and national security agencies to disrupt supply chains.
Global Counterterrorism Forum
Kigen stressed that these measures are part of a shift from reactive to proactive, solution-oriented strategies.
“Our approach is not reactive. It is about building resilience, preventing threats, and ensuring communities and institutions are prepared for the evolving challenges posed by terrorist networks,” Kigen said.
The GCTF East Africa Capacity-Building Working Group’s workshop demonstrates a holistic regional approach, integrating legal, operational, and community-based strategies to safeguard citizens, critical infrastructure, and stability across East Africa.
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