Assesment Of The Nature Of Security Challenges On The International Border Between Kenya And Somalia

Abstract

The study aimed at assessing of the nature of security challenges on the international border between Kenya and Somalia. The specific objectives were: to ascertain the degree to which cross border insecurity has negatively impacted on Kenya’s border security, implication on the community in the border region, to examine the challenges posed to the security of Kenya by the porous common boundary, to compare and contrast the security strategies of the governments of Kenya and Somalia administration for the border region- its effectiveness or failure and finally to propose solutions that can be implemented to fix the cross border insecurity situation. The findings were that Kenya and Somalia various peace initiatives have been undertaken on border security teams towards conflict mitigation, prevention and resolution. Such initiatives have been through the CEWARN-IGAD mechanism incorporating local administrative governments, civil society, NGOs, CBOs, FBOs, District Peace Committees and other agencies. Border based conflicts are a common feature in African countries. The horn of Africa has had violent conflicts on its border regions too. Kenyan border concerns with Somali particularly stand out. The border line is largely artificial, separating a community that share a strong history. The border security challenges between Somalia and Kenya are as old as the countries have been pre independence. Somalia as a nation wanted to be reunited with their kin in Kenya. The study concluded that border related security concerns have had strong impact on Kenya in all key aspects from social economic to political. The poorly demarcated border has meant that illegal trade happens through the border which while offering North Eastern regions an economic boost, denies Kenya revenue. The infiltration of bandits and illegal fire arms through the border has had serious security ramifications not just in North Eastern regions but across the country. The study concluded that socially, the Somali coming from Somalia to Kenya have found ways to integrate with Kenyans, while some even attained Kenyan citizenship. Finally, the study concluded that Kenya has taken extra ordinary measures to contain border related insecurity concerns both in Kenya and Somalia. Al-Shabaab militants cross border attacks made Kenya attack Somalia militia/terrorist militarily inside Somalia for the first time in its history. The study recommended that Kenya should enhance its partnership with Somalia government to ensure that Somalia contributes more concretely on border line insecurity concerns. Kenya should form stronger partnership with other African countries in the Horn of Africa especially Ethiopia to address border concerns arising from Kenya Somalia border. Finally, Kenyan security agencies should be more sensitive to human rights concerns of both Kenyan Somalis and the Somalia Somalis in the country as refugees