Countering International Terrorism by the Military in Africa: a Case Study of the Kenya Defence Forces

Abstract

This study explored the use of military in countering international terrorism in Africa by using the Kenya Defence Forces. The study illustrates the use of the military as a way of eradicating terrorism in the horn of Africa. This study employs securitization theory as a mechanism to illustrate international terrorism and how the military can be used to eradicate acts of terror. The study justifies the hypotheses that nation states uses military to counter terrorism to enhance their responsibility to protect and also the initiative to combat terror has not been fully efficient because of challenges like inadequate personnel and financial constraints. This has made the nation states to embrace the use of non-military tools to assist in combating terrorism. Case study research design was used since it gives deeper explanation of a scenario. Primary and secondary data was used for enhanced validity. The study revealed that Kenya Defence Forces Play major role when intervening in International Terrorism and that Kenya Defence Forces mostly uses patrol and intercept communication methods when intervening in International Terrorism. In addition, the study established that Kenya Defence Forces collaborated with local community, civil societies and NGOs in fight against terrorism and that Kenya military involvements in counterterrorism have resulted to reduced terrorists Incursions in the Country and Manning & Pacification of the Liberated Areas. Further the study established the effects of KDF in Countering International Terrorism to include both positive and negative impacts on human security. This study recommends mutual cooperation between state and non-state actors in enhancing effective and efficient counter terrorism measures for instance effective border control, diplomatic engagements, regional balancing for effective citizen involvement in decision making in Kenya.