The Challenges of Implementation of National Security Policies in the 21st Century Globalization: a Comparative Study of Kenya and Mozambique

Abstract

This study assesses the challenges confronting implementation of national security policies in both Kenya and Mozambique in the 21st century. The challenges in Kenya are as a result of gaps in the national security architecture as well as influenced by socio-economic fabric of Kenya’s economy and require institutional reform and political will to address. The factors challenging implementation of Mozambique’s national security policies are institutional and inherent in the country’s governance style and structure. These threats have continued to hinder achievement of peace, security and stability in both countries. The following objectives guided the study and they include; to examine the challenges that confront implementation of Kenya’s national security policies in the 21st century, to assess the challenges that confront implementation of Mozambique’s national security policies in the 21st century and to propose policy reform interventions that can be applied to security sector in both Kenya and Mozambique. The study was premised on two hypotheses which stated that, successful implementation of national security policies depends on effective management of security threats in both countries and ssuccessful implementation of national security policies in both countries does not depend on effective management of security threats. Further, the study utilised realist theory to conceptualize the study of national security in both Kenya and Mozambique. Descriptive research design and exploratory research design combined with a case study analysis, which involves investigation of given individual, institution or phenomenon to conceptualize challenges of national security in Kenya and Mozambique was adopted. Primary data was gathered through use of questionnaires and interview guide from targeted respondents in both countries. From the findings obtained, it is clear that there are several factors which hamper successful implementation of national security policies in both countries. They include; climate change, high levels of youth unemployment, high levels of poverty, cyber related crimes, terrorism; rampant corruption, non-adherence to the rule of law, impunity among security agencies, poor remuneration, politicization of security policies, youth bulge, slow pace of security sector reforms, political and resource-driven conflicts, income inequality and illiteracy, lack of enough funding, proliferation of weapons from overseas markets, among others. It is evident that, these factors are inter-linked and they collaboratively hinder the government from instituting a comprehensive national security policy which can address national security threats holistically as affirmed by majority of the respondents. The study established policy interventions such as; ensuring representation and inclusivity of all communities in the security sector, mapping out the country-specific context before implementing security reforms, arming the private security sector, comprehensive Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) processes, cooperation with international partners, enhancing local funding of the security sector, combating corruption among others as viable options which can be incorporated in the broader security sector reform process. Various recommendations can be deduced from the findings and they include; need for both countries to adopt community policing initiatives in their security sector reforms and strengthen Ten Household (‘Nyumba Kumi’). There is also need to review security training curriculum to equip the Police, the Intelligence Officers and other domestic law enforcers with up-to-date skills. Lastly, both countries need to conduct a comprehensive DDR process in order to flush out illegally acquired weapons from the civilians and also enhance cooperation with international partners.