Determinants of Effectiveness of Inter-agency Cooperation as a Counter-terrorism Strategy in Kenya
Abstract
This study examined the determinants of effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation as a
counter-terrorism strategy in Kenya. Specifically, it aimed to determine the effectiveness of
information sharing among the security agencies as a counter-terrorism strategy in Kenya, and
to establish the effectiveness of joint training as a counterterrorism strategy in Kenya. This
study adopted the social contract theory. This study adopted a cross-sectional study, where
individuals or groups are observed at one specific point in time survey design was used. This
study was conducted in Nairobi County, where it targeted security agencies departments
dealing with counter terrorism in Kenya. Purposive sampling method was used to develop the
sample of the study. The sample population size (n) was 370 respondents. Both primary and
secondary data was used in this study. The Primary data was obtained by administering to the
key informants with both open and closed ended structured questionnaire. Secondary data was
obtained from examining publications of books, journals, internet websites, government
documents, papers presented at conferences, periodicals, reports and academic papers relevant
to the study. This study employed the use of quantitative techniques, where systematic
scientific numerical information was used. The collected data was converted to numerical
information through coding, and then analyzed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences
(SPSS) Edition 20.0. Converting the research data into statistical information made it easy to
manipulate and interpret under different conditions like charts, graphs, percentages, and
frequencies figures. Content analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data into common
themes. The study found that majority of the security agencies have intelligence unit within
their organizations and they all strongly believe that intelligence sharing is effective in
countering terrorism. The most preferred method of information sharing was through formal
head of department and formally inter-agency analysts. Joint training enhances effective
response to counter terrorism, most of the respondents from all security agencies are aware of existence of joint training programmes. Frequent conduct of relevant training to qualified and
suitable participants yields positive results in responding and coordination of terror attacks.
The study concluded that joint training enhances effective response to counter terrorism and
that all security agencies are aware of existence of joint training programmes. Frequent conduct of relevant training to qualified and suitable participants yields positive results in responding
and coordination of terror attacks. The research recommended that Kenya and other relevant
stakeholders develop national counter-violent extremism and terrorism plans that reflect a
multi-agency approach among government agencies, NGOs, religious groups, communities,
and affected populations. In addition, the report suggests that security agencies be audited and
scrutinized to verify that they are well-qualified and trained for their various roles.
Furthermore, the study advises lawmakers to reinforce anti-terrorism laws and draft new ones
in light of terrorism's evolving capabilities and activists.
Publisher
University of nairobi
Rights
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United StatesUsage Rights
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/us/Collections
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