Impact of psycho-social support and counselling services in mitigating the risk of radicalisation among youths

The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of psycho-social support and counselling services in mitigating youth radicalisation in Mombasa County, Kenya. Violent extremism poses significant risks to youth in vulnerable regions, and while psycho-social interventions have been implemented, their impact remains uncertain. This study specifically investigates whether these services enhance mental health, promote behavioural change, and build resilience against radical ideologies. Using a mixed-methods design, data were collected from 384 youth participants through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Findings indicate that sixty-one per cent of participants are aware of the available support services, revealing a need for improved outreach. Notably, sixty-eight per cent reported improvements in mental health and coping skills, and seventy-three per cent observed positive behavioural changes, which reduced their susceptibility to radicalisation. These results highlight the potential of psycho-social support in fostering resilience among at-risk youth, though limitations in awareness and accessibility persist. To enhance these services' impact, recommendations include targeted outreach programs, stigma reduction campaigns, and expansion of services to marginalised areas.