Armed Private Security Firms And Counter Terrorism In Kenya

Abstract

This project is based on the conceptual premise that the escalation of terror attacks on indiscriminate soft targets around the world and specifically in Kenya should be the concern of the state and should strive to address this threat. To the extent of facilitating and enabling other non-state mechanisms to ensure more effective security coverage of the general public. This could mean redesigning of the security architecture of the country, to include armed private security companies to bolster capacities in fighting the common enemy, which is terrorism. There is much more to be gain for such an envisioned collaboration between private and public security. Bearing in mind the human needs theory, safety and security is one of the basic requirements for a society and for a thriving economy of a nation. The researcher observed that whereas the affluent and middle class in society where able to mitigate the security gap by consigning of private security companies for protection, terrorism has taken the threat to a new level because attacks targeted public places, effectively making security a concern for all. With the contrast of the state’s inability to protect its citizens from terrorist’s attacks and the fact that there has been exponential growth in numbers of private security companies, there is an indication that better security coverage could be achieved with the inclusion of armed private security companies in securing the general public. Stamping the need to move away from state centric security. The study established that with increasing the capacity or capability of private security companies through arming and training their personnel, these first responders in terror attacks can be an effective deterrent. Through qualitative and quantitatively analyzing the phenomenon of public and private security collaboration against terror attacks in Kenya, the study shows that the government stands to gain not only the societies confidence in governance but also investor confidence leading to economic progress and the elimination of the fear of tear attacks.