Securing Peace in East Africa: Curbing the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Kenya

Abstract

Small arms and light weapons proliferation is a term used by organizations such as Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), United Nations (UN) and individuals advocating the control of small arms and their trade. Some organizations use the term particularly in arguing for weapons restriction of small arms sales to private citizens in conflict zones. To secure peace in the East Africa region by furthering the non-proliferation of small arms and light weapon agenda; to investigate how small arms and light weapons end un in the hands of unauthorized actors. To examine the control measure suitable for non-proliferation of small arms and light weapons in East Africa; to analyze the challenges that arise in the process of curbing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the East Africa region. Geographical positions of these areas economic activity of the area and politics were said to be the main factors influencing the proliferation of small arms in the northern Kenya. It was revealed that weapons were locally made by the indigenous people in Kenya and some of them were imported from other countries. Also, it was discovered weapons stolen from security personnel have been one of the major factors of arms proliferation in Kenya. Notwithstanding, it was made known in the study that weapons that were reportedly got from war torn neighbors such as Sudan, Ethiopia contributed to arms increase. In furtherance, the study discovered that most customers range from local politicians in high circles of northern Kenya politics to prominent community elders and security officials procuring arms for crime markets in other parts of Kenya especially Nairobi areas, Coastal towns and other crime prone areas. Based on the outcomes, it was recommended that government through local leadership should further embark on awareness creation on the importance of peaceful co-existence amongst communities thereby reducing the influx of arms proliferation. This can be made possible by initiating peace programmes and campaigns in the prone areas.