The Role Of Diplomacy In Countering Terrorism In Africa, A Case Study Of Kenya

Abstract

This study investigates the role of dipomacy in countering terrorism in Kenya. It scrutinizes the major terrorist attacks in the country and the strategies that have been employed thereafter to counter terrorism. The study assessed the diplomatic strategies employed to counter terror attacks in the country. The decision to deploy the Kenya Defense Forces in Somalia has been frequently questioned by many, however, this study goes a step further to explain the necessity and the rationale behind such endeavors. Therefore, the study sought to determine if the continued threat of terrorism led Kenya to pursue an ‘international image management strategy’ through military aid to Somalia inform of military diplomacy. Also, the study sought to establish the relationship between diplomacy and counter-terrorism. The investigation established diplomacy plays crucial role in countering terrorism. Further, there is statistical significance in the hypotheses test to accept the null hypothesis that there is a nexus between diplomacy and counter terrorism.For example, despite Kenya having a NO policy in negotiating with terrorists, following the kidnapping of the two Cuban doctors kidnapped on April 12 in Mandera by the Al Shabaab militants, they demanded Ksh150 million ($1.5 million) in ransom.In order to negotiate for their release, community elders from both Mandera in Kenya and and Bulahawo in Somalia, were sent to the village located between Buale and El-Adde to negotiate for the release of the doctors. Thus, diplomacy is a key instrument in countering terrorism. Secondly, supplementing Kenya's Defence Forces operation under Amisom in Somalia with diplomatic strategies can reduce the chances of a terror attack. Also, the formation of international alliances with countries that are willing to protect their allies against terrorism is also another important counter-terrorism strategy as opposed to making allies with countries that are conflicted in the subject of terrorism like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Iran among others.The main instruments of data collection used in this research paper has been interview schedules and questionnaires. The main methodology of the research is mixed method, that is , both qualitative and quantitative. Effectively, the sample population has been selected using a stratified random sampling method. The collected survey data is analysed using the liberalism theoretical framework to establish the role of diplomacy in countering terrorism in Kenya.The study established there is need for the government to formulate actual counter-terrorism strategies that are specific to the type of terrorism that Kenya is facing, that is, incessant threats posed by Al-Shabaab. This can be done through the various arms of government.On the other hand, an independent study should be conducted on the effectiveness of the counter-terrorism strategies that were employed in Kenya between the years 2013 and 2019 for the scope of this study limited the level of research add new knowledge.