Critical Analysis of Terrorism and Its Effects: a Case Study of Kenya (1998-2013)

Abstract

Terrorism is a global concern because it threatens global security and peace. Its effects vary with individual states. It causes widespread destruction and fear among people. It is against this backdrop, that this study sought to analyse effects of terrorism in Kenya. The study was guided by one broad objective and two specific objectives. The broad objective is to critically analyse effects of terrorism in Kenya. The first specific objective will be to identify types of terrorism in Kenya and the second objective will be to determine effects of different type of terrorism on social and economic systems in Kenya. This study adopted descriptive case research design. In this type of research design, it enabled the researcher to apply both quantitative and qualitative research techniques for an in-depth analysis on effects of terrorism in Kenya. Secondary data collection and analysis was utilized. Findings revealed that terrorism in Kenya has been occurring since 1975 but became real immediately after the bombing of US embassy in Nairobi in 1998. Since then, the country has been undergoing several attacks involving use of grenades in public places such as restaurants, shopping malls and social gatherings like churches. It has been found that with its far reaching effects, terrorism uses violence (use), to cause fear, intimidation or coercion (purpose) based on religious and political ideologies (targets persons with different religion or political affiliation as terrorists). The effects are mainly economic and social. It therefore becomes true that terrorism weakens social systems in Kenya; terrorism cripples economic systems in Kenya; and ineffective social and economic systems in Kenya promote terrorism. Thus, the study recommended that the Kenyan government should improve its security systems.