The Role of Governance in Countering Terrorism in Horn of Africa- a Case Study of Kenya and Somalia

Abstract

With key focus on assessing the role of governance in countering terrorism in HoA: A case study of Kenya and Somalia the study sought to examine existing measures and methodologies used by states in countering terrorism in HoA Region, analyze the type of governance that have prevailed in Kenya and Somalia and how this failed in countering terrorism and lastly analyze governance strategies that are effective in countering terrorism in the region. The study uses realism theory of International Relations as a tool to explain the role of governance in counter terrorism and the best strategy to counter terror. The study accepts the hypotheses that: the States in HoA used state centric approach in fight against terrorism and has failed to adequately address the threat of terrorism. The states ignored the role of non-state actors in war against terrorism and give more effort on military centric approach. The data findings indicates that counterterrorism effort in Kenya and Somalia have not yet appreciate the role of non-state actors in the war against terrorism and mainly concentrate on militaristic approach. The analysis points out the state centric counterterrorism approach in HoA is counter-productive and has not been effective. The study recommends that the states to widen their counterterrorism approach to include no state actors such civil society, scholars, local leaders, youth and women. Furthermore, the militaristic and State centric approach incounter terrorism such as crack down, illegal detention, and extra-judicial killings of terror suspects and innocent victims has fueled terrorism. In contrary, the inclusion approach where Non-State Actors have been considered, states address structural issues that provide safe environment for terrorists, equality and other soft-power measures reduces terrorism.