Strategies to Combat Drug Trafficking in Africa: Case Study of Kenya

Abstract

One of the major transnational crimes affecting the safety of the world is the drug trafficking menace. In Africa, the West African region and the Eastern Africa act as some of the major trafficking routes and markets. This study sought toThis study sought toThis study sought toThis study sought toThis study sought toThis study sought toThis study sought toThis study sought to assess strategies used to combat drug trafficking in Africa, using Kenya as a case study. The study was guided by the following objectives: To examine the prevalence of drug trafficking in Africa; to assess the effectiveness of strategies used to combat drug trafficking in Kenya; and to assess the relevance of a policy framework for the control of drug trafficking in Kenya. The justification of the study was based on both academic policy grounds. The study adopted a descriptive study design and focused on Nairobi and Mombasa counties as the main areas of study. The sample population encompassed Airport Police, Border Security Personnel, Kenya Coast Guard Services and Kenya Navy. Primary data was collected through semi-structured interview schedules while secondary data was collected from journal articles, books, websites, newspapers and magazines. The study found out that there are significant drug trafficking routes in Africa and a variety of drugs. Due to its strategic geographical location, Kenya is normally described as East Africa’s region’s economic powerhouse. The study also found that, out of the various strategies employed by Kenya in combating drug trafficking, some have succeeded while a number of them need to be bolstered. Lastly, the study found that there are a number of policy frameworks in place for control of drug trafficking in Kenya. From the findings, the study recommends national, regional and international mechanisms to improve the fight against drug trafficking in Kenya.