Violent Extremism And National Cohesion In The Horn Of Africa: A Case Study Of Kenya, Nairobi County. 2010-2016

Abstract

Globally, the debate surrounding conflict violent extremism has emerged as an ardently contested area, notwithstanding the reality that a complete metamorphosis of violent extremism results to heinous acts of terrorism. Similarly, violent extremist today poses grave threats to national, regional and global security. To this end, violent extremism has dominated the agenda in numerous international conventions. Despite this, the nexus between violent extremism and national cohesion has not been looked into with uttermost significance. Moreover, relevant studies and scholars have acknowledged the impact of violent extremism without comprehensively linking it to national cohesion. The main aim of the study is to analyze his relationship. The specific objectives of the study were: to establish the link between the discourses of violent extremism and national cohesion; to assess the threats of violent extremism on national cohesion in Kenya and; to examine opportunities presented by violent extremism in the management of national cohesion in Kenya. The social process theory explains the causes of criminality and the role of institutions of society in dealing with tendencies of crime. The study adopted a descriptive research design and utilized random sampling in identifying respondents. The study incorporated reactions from 110 respondents within Nairobi County. These were technical employees of the NSCPBC and the (ATPU) all under the MICG, technical employees of the DNCV, technical employees of the NCIC , technical employees of the (NCTC) and technical employees of NGO’s in the peacebuilding and conflict management fields. The results of the research suggest that there is a negative correlation between violent extremism and national cohesion and that social cohesion and security practitioners are yet to take advantage of underlying opportunities presented by violent extremism. The research has made several recommendations that are significant in addressing violent extremism and promoting national cohesion.