Implications of Small Arms and Light Weapons (Salw) Proliferation on Personal Security in the Horn of Africa Region: a Case Study of Garissa County, Kenya

Abstract

The destruction brought about by the use and indeed misuse of small arms and light weapons (SALW) has been described the world over as one of the most egregious occurrences in the human experience. SALW continue to present as a major global threat to peace and security, various regions of the world share challenges brought on by SALW proliferation, the Horn of Africa and Great Lakes Regions are recognized as infamous where the above issue is concerned. These regions consist of the following countries: Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and Tanzania. The above-mentioned regions and states therein maneuver through various volatilities which predispose them to vulnerabilities of violent conflict as a result of: ethnicization of politics, poor governance, unequitable distribution of social benefits, unsustainable access and control to key natural and state resources in addition to other obstacles. The objective of this research was to expound upon the implications of proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) on the personal security situation in Garissa County. Which has in the past and even presently experienced violence relating to Small Arms and Light Weapons use, due to clan-based conflicts, politicization of issues, violent extremism, marginalization and other conflicts over access to limited natural resources to sustain their herds and communities as observed in the study. Therefore, the study established an interconnection between personal security challenges and the continued proliferation, availability and use of illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons, which in turn are an obstacle to human security. There have been various control measures employed in combating illicit SALW proliferation which include: border policing and surveillance, amnesty and voluntary surrender of illicit SALW, disarmament, sensitization programmes and the implementation of the Nairobi Protocol. Despite the above efforts there are challenges faced in addressing illicit SALW proliferation, occurring at the national and regional levels such as resource and personnel constraints, institutional capacity issues, coordination issues between National Focal Points, regional organizations and states. Ultimately, illicit SALW threaten livelihoods, the well-being and development of a society. To counter this, requires continued sensitization in collaboration with key stakeholders as well as, reinforcement of the capabilities and capacity of those involved in the process of managing and controlling illicit SALW in Garissa County and Kenya as a whole. This study utilized a descriptive research design, with the Regional Security Complexes Theory anchoring the study. Primary data was collected by use of questionnaires and interviews with secondary data being sourced from books, journals, articles, newspapers and other authoritative online sources of information. The data was analyzed by use of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20, the use of diagrams such as tables and figures aided in the presentation of the findings of this study.