In the early 2010s, illegal wildlife trade surged, coinciding with al Shabaab's terror activities in Kenya. A former poaching gang commander, Abdi Gufu, revealed that his group received training, finance, and arms from al Shabaab. The sophisticated poaching operations, including a notable attack on Lewa Conservancy, were supported by international smuggling networks and facilitated by corrupt wildlife rangers. Despite efforts by organizations like Kenya Wildlife Service and African Wildlife Foundation to combat poaching, the Kinna poaching brigade's activities highlight the complex and evolving challenges in wildlife conservation.

Lake Turkana's fishing communities in Kenya are intensifying disease prevention efforts amid rising health risks. The region's fish trade, vital for local and regional economies, faces challenges from climate change and disease outbreaks like Ebola and cholera. The Kenyan and Turkana County governments, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, have implemented comprehensive health strategies, including training health workers, establishing isolation centers, and enhancing disease surveillance. These measures aim to protect fisherfolk, traders, and communities, ensuring the safe continuation of the fish trade.

Safari Doctors, a non-profit community-based social enterprise, provides essential healthcare services to remote islands in Lamu County, Kenya. Using boats and dhows, they deliver medical supplies, vaccines, and specialized medical care to areas with limited access to healthcare. The organization also trains local youth health ambassadors to educate communities and mobilize them for health services, including COVID-19 vaccinations. The initiative addresses significant healthcare challenges in the region, such as high maternal mortality rates and lack of essential drugs and equipment.

Suleqha Mahat and Warda Sheikh recount their traumatic experiences under al-Shabaab's rule in Adanyabal, Somalia, where women faced severe restrictions and punishments enforced by the group's Shariah police. The town was liberated by Somali military forces in December 2022, but the community remains traumatized. Many, including Mahat and Sheikh, have fled to Kenya, seeking safety and a new start. Women's rights activist Amran Abdundi calls for support and debriefing centers for those escaping al-Shabaab's control.

Turkana County health authorities are collaborating with faith- and community-based organizations to increase vaccine coverage among zero-dose children. Esther Ewoi, a local mother, learned about the importance of vaccination through health centers after initially relying on traditional medicine. Turkana County faces challenges such as insecurity, climate change, and nomadic lifestyles that hinder vaccine access. Dr. Gilchrist Lokoel, Turkana County's Acting Health Officer, highlights the success of partnerships with organizations like the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar and World Vision in reaching remote communities. The initiative includes malnutrition centers in health facilities and integrated outreaches to address various health needs.

Mandera, a border town in northeastern Kenya, faces significant challenges due to its proximity to Somalia and the presence of Al-Shabaab terrorists. The terrorist group exploits local clan conflicts by supplying sophisticated weapons, exacerbating violence, especially during election periods. Former Al-Shabaab militant Musa reveals how the group recruits and arms local youth, using them to smuggle weapons and gather intelligence. Efforts by civil society organizations and local authorities aim to counter these activities through initiatives like the arms trade treaty and improved security strategies. Despite these efforts, the region remains vulnerable to terrorist activities and inter-clan violence.

Before the first Covid-19 case was reported in Kenya and Somalia, Al-Shabaab used loudspeakers to spread misinformation about the virus along the Kenya-Somalia border. Asli Hassan, a victim of Al-Shabaab's violence, recounts her ordeal of being falsely accused of spreading Covid-19 and violently evicted. The terror group exploited the pandemic to instill fear and control border communities. Women like Hassan have taken it upon themselves to document cases of violence, provide health services, and seek legal action against perpetrators. Their advocacy has led to a cultural shift in understanding Covid-19 and reducing the profiling and victimization of women.

The Sinay community in Kenya is grappling with Covid-19 misinformation spread by al Shabaab, which has been using various media, including WhatsApp and local radio, to disseminate false information about the virus. The terrorist group has been recruiting local youths to spread propaganda, causing fear and resistance to medical interventions. Kenyan health authorities have countered this with accurate information through local radio, helping to mitigate the impact of the misinformation. The situation is compounded by the pre-existing health crisis in Garissa County due to al Shabaab's attacks on health facilities.

In northern Kenya, pastoralist communities are combating Al-Shabaab's misinformation campaign against Covid-19 vaccines. The Alinjughur Women’s Association, among others, is leading the effort to educate and mobilize women through radio broadcasts, debunking myths spread by the militants. Despite the challenges of vaccine hesitancy and a lack of infrastructure, these women are determined to vaccinate their communities. They are planning house-to-house campaigns and building vaccine centers, even as they seek local and regional support for security and vaccine storage.