The Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies Terrorism and Implications on National Security in Kenya

Abstract

Peace and Security is critical for a country to realize sustainable growth and development. However, terrorism attacks and related activities have affected the growth of Kenyan economy. The purpose of this research was to examine causes of terrorism in Kenya, impacts on national security and strategies that the government can adopt to fight terrorism. The Study was supported by game theory. The study was carried out within Nairobi County. The study used a descriptive research design. Non probability sampling technique was used in the study and incorporated purposive sampling procedures. Questionnaires were used for collecting data. Quantitative data was analyzed for descriptive statistics such as percentage. Presentation of analysis outputs was in tabular summaries and charts.The study established that there are various causes of terrorism in Kenya which include corrupt government officials, lack of tracking, surveillance and monitoring of terrorists cells in the country, radicalization of the youth associated with religious indiscrimination, inadequate of coordination, synergy and communication interoperability by national security organs to deal with the terrorists, high level of poverty and unemployment among the youth and inadequate intelligence sharing between security agencies to counter terrorists activities. Further, the study established that terrorism related incidences in Kenya have negatively impacted on national security through death of citizens, injuries, disabilities, migration of skilled labor, Also, the study established thatterrorism attacks caused great damages to the country’s physical infrastructure and therefore affected the national security. Finally, the study recommends that the government employs both soft and hard power to fight terrorism by strengthening state institutions and civil society initiatives. This could be done through programs that augment human capital, improve public administration and the delivery of government services, and professionalizemilitary and police forces to combat terrorism in the country.