ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the rise and operations of Al-Shabaab in East Africa and Boko Haram in West Africa. The chapter discusses the origins, modes of operation, funding and the internal and external challenges that the affected countries, specifically Kenya and Nigeria, have had to deal with in addressing these violent extremist groups. It is argued in the chapter that religious radicalization and perceived marginalization of the Muslim population in both Kenya and Nigeria are major contributing factors to the growth and expansion of these two groups.
