Kenya has launched a dedicated counter-terrorism reporting hotline and an online reporting portal, giving members of the public a direct channel through which they can report suspected terrorist activities and other information that could help prevent attacks. The initiative was officially launched in Nairobi on Friday, September 18, 2026, in an event attended by senior Kenyan officials and representatives of international security partners. The launch comes as Kenya continues strengthening its approach to preventing terrorism and violent extremism, with authorities placing greater emphasis on cooperation between security agencies, communities and the public. 

The newly launched hotline is 0800 900 900, according to reports from the launch. It is intended specifically for counter-terrorism reporting and is designed to make it easier for Kenyans to provide information about suspected terrorist activity. The initiative also includes an online reporting portal, giving members of the public another avenue through which they can communicate security concerns. 

Purpose of the new hotline

The central purpose of the hotline is to improve the flow of information between communities and security authorities. Terrorism prevention often depends on information being received before an attack takes place, and authorities are seeking to make reporting easier and more accessible.

During the launch, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi urged Kenyans to recognize their role in protecting national security. He emphasized the message that security is a shared responsibility and called on members of the public to report suspicious activities rather than assuming that security agencies will identify every threat on their own. 

Mudavadi described the initiative as a security measure rather than a political undertaking, saying that the reporting system was intended to help save lives. He also linked the initiative to the wider responsibility of protecting public spaces and critical infrastructure from terrorism. 

Community participation in counter-terrorism

One of the most important aspects of the hotline is its emphasis on community participation. Terrorist threats can emerge in or target places where people gather every day, including places of worship, public transport facilities, markets, entertainment venues, schools and other public spaces.

Mudavadi said the hotline would allow communities to become partners in countering terrorism in settings such as churches, mosques, public transport and special events. This reflects a broader shift toward community-based approaches to security, where information from ordinary citizens can complement the work of professional security agencies. 

The approach is also consistent with the work of Kenya's National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), which coordinates national counter-terrorism measures aimed at preventing, detecting, deterring and disrupting terrorist activities. The NCTC describes counter-terrorism as a multi-agency responsibility involving prevention, detection, protection, preparedness and cooperation with communities. 

The role of the National Counter Terrorism Centre

The NCTC is a key institution in Kenya's national counter-terrorism framework. According to the Centre, it was established under the Prevention of Terrorism Act to coordinate national measures against terrorism.

The Centre's responsibilities include preventing radicalisation and recruitment into violent extremist groups, coordinating security policies and training, supporting efforts to detect and disrupt terrorist operations, and improving preparedness for possible attacks. It also works on disengagement and reintegration programmes aimed at individuals seeking to leave violent extremist organisations or abandon extremist behaviour.

The Centre's existing public reporting system demonstrates that Kenya has already recognized the importance of information supplied by citizens. Its official website encourages the public to report suspicions and states that the identity of people making reports will be protected. 

New hotline and existing emergency channels

An important point for members of the public is that the newly launched 0800 900 900 counter-terrorism hotline should be distinguished from the emergency hotline currently displayed on the NCTC's official website, 0800 721 600. The NCTC website identifies 0800 721 600 as its emergency hotline and provides reporting and counselling channels for people dealing with suspected radicalisation or violent extremism. 

The September 18 launch therefore adds a new reporting mechanism specifically highlighted for counter-terrorism reporting. Members of the public should follow the instructions given by Kenyan authorities and use the appropriate official channel depending on the nature of the information or emergency.

International cooperation

The inauguration also highlighted the international dimension of Kenya's fight against terrorism. The new reporting initiative is part of wider cooperation involving Kenya, the United States and the United Kingdom.

US Deputy Ambassador Carla Benini said the initiative would provide Kenyans with a way of reporting suspected terrorist activity without fear of victimisation. She also reaffirmed US cooperation with Kenya on security matters in East Africa, including information and intelligence sharing. 

UK Deputy High Commissioner Ed Barnett similarly said the hotline and online reporting portal would support direct reporting, investigations and timely intervention. His comments underline the importance placed on obtaining information quickly and passing it to the relevant authorities.

Major General Shane Morgan, commander of the Joint Task Force–Horn of Africa, also encouraged the public to report suspicious activity, using the message, “If you see something, you say something.”

Protecting critical infrastructure and public spaces

The hotline comes at a time when Kenya and its international partners are placing considerable attention on the protection of critical infrastructure and public spaces.

Earlier in September, the NCTC and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism convened the Fifth Nairobi Caucus in Nairobi. The September 7–8 meeting brought together about 200 participants from 24 countries, along with representatives of regional organisations, United Nations entities, international partners and other stakeholders. �

United Nations

The meeting focused on protecting critical infrastructure systems and publicly accessible spaces from terrorism. Discussions included risk assessment, protective security, public-private cooperation, emergency response, crisis communication and recovery after incidents.

The timing is significant because the new hotline is another mechanism through which the public can contribute to the protection of those spaces. Information from residents, workers, business owners, transport operators and other members of society can potentially help authorities identify suspicious activity at an earlier stage.

Importance of early reporting

Early reporting is particularly important in counter-terrorism because authorities may have a greater opportunity to investigate suspicious behaviour before it develops into an attack.

The hotline provides a formal channel through which citizens can communicate concerns rather than relying solely on informal communication or waiting until a security incident has occurred.

However, reporting should be responsible. Suspicion should be based on observable information rather than someone's religion, ethnicity, appearance, political views or other personal characteristics. A counter-terrorism reporting system is most useful when information provided is factual, specific and relevant to an actual security concern.

Authorities, in turn, have the responsibility to assess information professionally and determine whether further investigation is necessary.

Addressing violent extremism

The initiative is not only about responding to terrorist attacks. Kenya's counter-terrorism strategy also involves preventing radicalisation and violent extremism.

The NCTC says its prevention programmes are designed to block pathways into violent extremism and support national and county-level efforts aimed at preventing radicalisation. It also operates disengagement and reintegration programmes for certain individuals who leave violent extremist organisations or seek assistance in abandoning extremist activities. 

The Centre provides counselling and guidance channels for people who are concerned that they or someone close to them may be experiencing radicalisation or recruitment into violent extremism. 

This means the wider counter-terrorism system involves prevention, reporting, investigation, intervention and, where appropriate, rehabilitation and reintegration.

Security ahead of the elections

The launch also comes against the backdrop of Kenya's preparations for the 2027 General Election. During the Nairobi event, Mudavadi connected the wider security discussion to the country's preparations for elections, warning that security and peace would remain important as the country approaches the electoral period.

He also spoke about the need to address gangs and groups involved in violence, stressing that the government would take security concerns seriously. 

The hotline itself, however, was presented as a counter-terrorism security initiative rather than an electoral tool. Its stated purpose is to improve the reporting of suspected terrorist activity and strengthen cooperation between communities and security agencies.

What the launch means for ordinary Kenyans

For ordinary Kenyans, the inauguration means there is now an additional dedicated channel through which information concerning suspected terrorist activity can be brought to the attention of authorities.

People who notice genuinely suspicious activity can provide information through the official reporting mechanisms. The objective is to encourage citizens to become part of prevention efforts while leaving investigation and enforcement to the appropriate authorities.

The initiative also reinforces the idea that counter-terrorism is not solely the responsibility of police officers, intelligence agencies or the military. Communities can play an important preventive role by remaining alert and reporting credible concerns.

At the same time, public participation must be balanced with respect for the law and the rights of individuals. False accusations, profiling and spreading unverified allegations can create fear and undermine community trust. Responsible reporting should therefore focus on concrete observations and information that authorities can independently assess.

A broader security strategy

The hotline should also be understood as one component of a much broader Kenyan counter-terrorism strategy. The NCTC's work covers prevention, detection, deterrence, disruption, protection, preparedness and rehabilitation. 

Kenya's recent engagement with the United Nations and other international partners also demonstrates the importance of coordination. Terrorism can cross national borders, making intelligence sharing and cooperation between countries important components of prevention.

The Fifth Nairobi Caucus, for example, focused on cooperation between governments, infrastructure operators, private-sector organisations and international partners.