The Influence Of Counter Terrorism Measures In Kenya

Abstract

With key focus on Kenya’s alarming rate of radicalization particularly along the Coastal region, the study sought to examine the influence of counter terrorism measures in Kenya. The study was guided by three objectives namely: To examine the current counter terrorism measures in Kenya, to assess the effectiveness of counter terrorism measures in Coastal region of Kenya and to investigate the challenges faced by the government of Kenya in countering terrorism. In response to increased radicalization and terror attacks, the study has identified security interventions as the most key counterterrorism measure in Kenya. The security agencies have cooperated to neutralize terrorism and thwart terror attacks before it happens. The study has noted that effective counterterrorism measures need to tie together both militaristic approach and other peaceful programs by non-state actors such as civil societies and NGOs as well as embracing human security concept in order to holistically address the issue of terrorism by winning the hearts and minds of both perpetrators and sympathizers of terror. Other counter terrorism measures include countering financing of terrorism, collaboration with the U.S and other countries including regional bodies, establishment of national counterterrorism center as well as security surveillance of border. The study has discovered that the multi-agency approach comprising of soft and hard power has yielded fruit in the last few years ever since its launch and a number of its counter terrorism activities have resulted in the disruption of terror plots, arrest of terror suspects, discovery of terror networks as well as discouraging the population from joining terrorist groups and extremists. The study has discovered that lack of institutional integrity has weakened the capacity of Kenyan government to counter terrorism. Other noted challenges include expansive unsecured border with Somalia as well as the fact that counterterrorism is competing for funding with other national priorities such as infrastructure development, health services and provision of education. As a result the study recommends that there is need of advancing democracy, strengthening institutions of governance, empowering youth, promoting development especially in those marginalized regions and embracing the concept of human security in order to holistically counter radicalization. Furthermore, there is need for proper coordination of multiagency security especially in the areas of effective intelligence gathering, analyzing and sharing. Finally, there is need to address the issue of institutionalized corruption since it has insecurity implications especially in countering terrorism.