Assessment of Counter Terrorism Strategies in East Africa: a Case of Kenya

Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of counter-terrorism strategies employed in Kenya. Specifically, the study aimed at examining the counter terrorism strategies used in the East Africa, analyzing the counter terrorism strategies was used in Kenya and establishing effectiveness of counter terrorism mechanism adopted in Kenya and recommend pragmatic policies to enhance strategies that will counter terrorism in Kenya. 540 was the number of the population of this study and they were taken from different institution of the government and non-government which specialized in terrorism issues in Kenya. The study applied both primary and secondary as a source of data. In collection of data, questionnaires were employed. The researcher also used interview guided and small group discussion I order to obtain data. The researcher collected secondary data which was analysed with a desktop technique. Publications were reviewed in the research for radicalization in Kenya. In the publications, there were inclusion of reports from the government, reports by private entities and scholarly articles. The pilot study involved five respondents. The analysis employed the use of both quantitative and qualitative techniques. The study established that most of the respondents were aware of the various forms of counterterrorism measures in Kenya. In addition, the study established that the most applicable counterterrorism measure was used both police and intelligence. The study also found that there were international responses to terrorism in Kenya. The study further established that the measures undertaken jointly by Kenya and the horn of Africa member states were effective. The study found that to a great extent that police and intelligence gathering constitute an integral part of state machinery in the fight against terror. The study further found that to a great extent that AU is vital for overcoming and combating terrorism in member states as a way of filling the gaps left by members due to inadequate mechanism. The study established that the respondents encounter challenges in the fight against terrorism in Kenya. The study also found that the most faced challenge was inadequate training and inadequate funding in the security organizations. These tend to act as a limit barrier is not only acquiring but also utilizing modern terrorism equipment. However, unclear definition of law was the least experienced challenge showing that there were no legal barriers in effecting the counter terrorism strategies. The study concludes that police and intelligence gathering constitute an integral part of state machinery in the fight against terror. The study further concludes that AU is instrumental in overcoming and combating terrorism in member states as a way of filling the gaps left by members due to inadequate mechanism. The study thus concludes that to prevent conflicts and by extension terrorism then priority must be given in addressing underlying root causes of conflicts such as poverty, unemployment, human rights violation, injustice, corruption, marginalization and impunity. The study recommends that the security agents should put measures to ensure increased public participation in countering terrorism. This will create an interactive platform between the security agencies and the local members offering an opportunity to build a rapport enhancing learning and gaining more insight about the members of the public and effectively gathering intelligence. The study also recommends that the tactics and technologies that are modern in counterterrorism should be educated to police. Through this, the available personnel will have the knowledge and expertise on how to respond to terrorist situations. The study also recommends that effective strategies should be put in place in Kenya and East Africa at large to curb terrorist attacks. It is imperative to include cooperative partners in the fight against terrorism.