Effectiveness of Counter-terrorism Strategies in the Horn of Africa Region- a Case Study of Lamu County

Abstract

Terrorism is a major danger to the world and safety at domestic, regional and international levels. It challenges the basic principles of law, justice, human rights and freedom and proves to be an affront to international bodies such as the UN, Global Covenant and the AU Constitutive Act of Africa. It threatens states' territorial sovereignty, security and stability. Effective counter-terrorism approaches can critically mitigate risks and deleterious effects of terrorism. In Kenya, the government through various security agencies, has engaged in counter terrorism operations. There have been continued attacks in Kenya by terrorist elements prompting the GOK to advance counter terrorism strategies and adopt robust counter-terrorism mechanisms in fighting terrorism. This study has been prompted by continued attacks by suspected Al-Shabaab terrorists in Lamu County despite the GOK adopting numerous counter terrorism strategies in its operations. The general objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of counter-terrorism strategies being adopted in managing terrorism in the Horn of Africa and moreso the challenges faced while managing terrorism in Lamu County, Kenya. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: evaluate counter-terrorism strategies employed by the GOK in Lamu County; determine institutional frameworks being utilized by the GOK in Lamu County and examine challenges in implementing counter terrorism strategies by the GOK in Lamu County. The study adopted as a theoretical framework, the human needs theory. The study also employed survey research design which entailed the use of ex post facto research design employing mixed method approach. The target population was members of the GOK, religious leaders, council of elders and administrators (chiefs and county commissioner) in Lamu County. The study used both probability and non-probability sampling methods. Members of the GOK comprising NCOs and members of the inspectorate were first stratified then randomly sampled to generate 157 respondents. Purposive sampling assisted this study in selecting 12 GOK gazetted officers as well as 23 chiefs, 1 county commissioner, 25 council of elders and 33 religious leaders. Data collection was through interactive questionnaires and non-interactive document analysis. A pilot study was carried out in Lamu County. The reliability of the instruments was determined through the calculation of a correlation coefficient between the first and second administration. The instruments were tested for validity through consultation and discussion with supervisors. The data collected was analysed by use of descriptive statistics, through qualitative and quantitative techniques. The study has found out that conducting patrols, access controls and screening of persons are the most impactful counter terrorism practices attained so far. Curfew and large numbers of security personnel have proved to bear positive results in countering terrorism. The counter terrorism strategies are faced with several challenges including corruption. For effective counter terrorism, the challenges have to be addressed sooner than later. This study recommends community policing programs to be prioritized in funds allocation. Lawmakers should also make more stringent laws so that everybody will fear engaging in corruption especially when terrorism is the centre of interest.