Role Of Science And Technology In Advancing National Security In 21St Century, Africa: A Case Study Of Kenya

Abstract

The study explores Science and Technology and Insecurity nexus in Africa during this current century. Africa is rapidly developing in information communication technology (ICT) infrastructure and with this growth; more people have been linked to the network in a global setup. However, this advancement has also introduced key trends to the future of security tools and apparatus in the continent. The case study of Kenya was chosen because of the similarities in the African countries experiences of security challenges. Securitization Theory was adopted as the theoretical framework in analysing the philosophy behind science, technology and security measures, with a view to finding an analytical explanation as to why despite science and technology improvement, the security challenges continue been experienced in Kenya. The study has employed qualitative research method and analysed data obtained from the field including the analysis of secondary data from various academic scholars, journals, publications and other academic works. The study investigated the communication policies, security strategies and mechanisms available and how they are influenced by science and technology. The respondents interviewed in this research include professionals in ICT technical roles, ICT security officers, IT administrators, academia, IT institutions and others. This research explores the measures and strategies applied in Kenya to safeguard the science and technology sector against cyber threats. These measures include developing cyber capacity and national institutions to cater for and provide a secure and safe cyber environment. The study analysed how science and technology has influenced Kenya‘s national security. The research contextualized the concept of science and technology within the Securitization Theory context in order to appreciate S & T and its effects to national security. The highlight is on how country‘s security has become prevalent and its porous nature and complexity. The increase in usage of science and technology (S&T) especially telecommunication technology has been associated with the use of computers across the public and private sectors. This has attracted criminals to exploit the opportunities available. As outlined in the trends of insecurity presented, the attacks are sophisticated because of the asymmetric nature of operations. This provides a basis through which to evaluate Kenya‘s security position and how to use science and technology to enhance it. The study therefore concludes that there is a strong relationship of correlation between the growth in technology and security. The study proves that legal frameworks that provide for information security do exist. However, the area of weakness is in implementation due to weak structures and lack of enforcement mechanisms. The country‘s S & T position therefore remained weak because of inadequate skills, ignorance and lack of cyber threat awareness amongst many internet users. However, there is a growing acknowledgement of the important role played by institutions through investing in S & T security as a major step towards enhancing security capacity. Finally, the research also provides recommendations on measures that can achieve sustainable S & T, which must be anchored on corporation of all stakeholders including internet users, researchers, policy formulators, conductors and executors.