Kenya has launched a counter-terrorism hotline and online reporting portal to strengthen public participation in national security efforts and improve the flow of information between communities and security agencies.
The platform, developed by Kenya’s Counter Terrorism Bureau (CTB) with support from the governments of the United Kingdom and the United States, provides secure and confidential channels through which members of the public can report suspicious activities and terrorism-related concerns.
The initiative is designed to support the early identification and disruption of potential threats, including those posed by al-Shabaab and other violent extremist groups.
The reporting system includes a toll-free hotline, an anonymous online reporting portal and a case management system for receiving, assessing and prioritising reports. Officials said the infrastructure has been designed to safeguard sensitive information.
The hotline, 0800 900 900, will officially become operational on October 15, 2026.
Speaking during the launch, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi urged Kenyans to use the platform responsibly and strictly for counter-terrorism information.
“It’s not a political line. It’s not a commercial line nor is it a marketing line,” Mudavadi said.
He described the hotline as a bridge between citizens and security agencies, saying it would enhance early detection of threats, remove barriers to the sharing of sensitive information and build trust between communities and specialised agencies, including the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU).
“The hotline provides an essential platform for enhanced cooperation between communities and security agencies in making Kenya a country in which all people can live together safely and peacefully,” he said.
Mudavadi also urged the public to report extremist activities observed online, citing the evolving nature of terrorism and growing cyber-terrorism threats as Kenya’s digital infrastructure expands.
He noted that six of the 10 countries most affected by terrorism are in sub-Saharan Africa, underscoring the need for continued cooperation among governments, security agencies and communities.
Concerns over criminal gangs
The Prime Cabinet Secretary raised concern over the growth of organised criminal gangs, including groups involved in political violence, warning that some could potentially evolve from petty crime into violent extremism.
He said communities and security agencies should closely monitor such groups because of the risk of radicalisation and their potential to undermine state institutions and public safety.
Mudavadi also questioned whether gangs that terrorise communities and threaten democracy should, in certain circumstances, be assessed beyond the conventional criminal-gang framework.
U.S. Embassy Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Carla Benini said the platform would give Kenyans a direct channel to share information that could help prevent terrorist attacks.
“Terrorist groups like al-Shabaab thrive on silence. This platform breaks it by giving every Kenyan a direct channel to help stop an attack,” Benini said.
She added that the United States remained committed to working with Kenya to strengthen community-based approaches to security.
UK Deputy High Commissioner Ed Barnett said the UK was proud to support Kenya, alongside its U.S. partners, in launching a Kenyan-owned capability that gives the public a clear route to share terrorism-related concerns.
“As a key security partner in East Africa, Kenya continues to play a vital role in our shared efforts to prevent and respond to terrorist threats,” Barnett said.
He described the initiative as an example of how international partnerships could deliver practical and sustainable capabilities to strengthen public safety.
CTB to manage the system
Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin said the CTB would manage the new call centre and urged members of the public to submit information honestly, without misinformation or personal grudges.
“If you see or know something, say it. Call. Don’t assume. Don’t attempt to investigate yourself,” Amin said.
He noted that terrorism continues to evolve, with social media adding complexity to the threat, and called for continued alertness and cooperation.
Although developed with support from the UK and U.S., the system will be fully owned, managed and operated by the CTB as a national security capability of the Government of Kenya.
Officials said the arrangement would ensure national ownership, long-term sustainability and alignment with Kenya’s security priorities.
Members of the public have been encouraged to use the hotline and online reporting portal to share information that may assist security agencies in protecting lives and communities.
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