An Analysis of the Influence of Interpersonal Communication Between the Directorate of Immigration and Somali Urban Migrants in Eastleigh, Nairobi

Abstract

Guided by the Symbolic Interactionism Theory of Mead and Ecological systems theory by Bronfenbrenner, this study aimed to analyse how interpersonal communication determines the migration outcomes of Somali migrants in Eastleigh area, Nairobi, Kenya. The movement rights of migrants are guaranteed and protected under several international instruments. States have the obligation to promote and provide these rights through accession or ratification of these instruments to protect them. Communication is pivotal not only in claiming the migration rights of migrants but also in establishing the authenticity and genuineness of migrants in a world full of abuses. Communication takes place within a politico-ecological system in which the rules of communication are politically passed on from one person to another. By arguing that communication rules are politically determined and transmitted to society, this study viewed the “political bordering” of societies and states as the context. Borders are political structures of control including the movement of persons. Thus, borders play an important role in helping communication to take place, determine the interpersonal communication from one person in a certain border space to another. This is referred to as the communication space. Therefore, this study sought to establish how interpersonal communication of migrants determines the final decision made by immigration officials concerning their migration rights, how interpersonal communication facilitates management of migrant migration rights, including exit and/or entry and, how interpersonal communication influences decision making by immigration officials in managing migrant movement rights. The study employed a mixed-method design in its methodology. This involved the use of both qualitative and quantitative questions to analyse various qualitative and quantitative elements of interpersonal communication. An understanding of migrant interpersonal communication with immigration officials is useful in facilitating migration rights thus reducing encumbrances they face while seeking immigration services.