The Influence of South Sudan Refugees on Kenya’s National Economic Security 2011-2021

Abstract

In the twenty-first century, it is crucial to acknowledge that migration stands on top of the policy agenda of many countries in the world, aside from its intrinsic importance, migration matters have become one critical facet of International Relations. Migration has social, political, economic and environmental impact on any given State. The general research objective was to examine the ecomomic impact of South Sudan refugee (immigrants) in Kenya. This study was guided by the following research questions; what is the influence of the South Sudan immigrant refugees in Kenya on Kenya’s economic security? To what extent is Kenya’s treatment of the South Sudan immigrant refugees compatible with its economic interests in South Sudan? How far have the relief activities regarding South Sudan immigrant refugees been compatible with Kenya’s economic security? This paper intends to enlightenen policy on emerging trends associated with migration. This paper aimed to address the following hypotheses; the high proportion of South Sudan immigrant refugees is linked to increasing levels of economic insecurity in Kenya. Kenya’s preferential treatment of the South Sudan immigrant refugees undermines its economic interests in South Sudan. The emergency relief activities relating to the South Sudan immigrant refugees have impacted negatively on Kenya’s economic security. This research study applied securitization theory and globalization theory as issues of migration have lately become more of security that a humanitarian affair. The research employed longitudinal descriptive research design where the researcher examined the same situation to detect any changes that might occur over a period of time. Thus, the research was within Kenya and South Sudan and the period of study covered was 2011 and 2021. This research employed purposive sampling to get the main target population which included; United Nations, the Kenya Ntaional Intelligence Service, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The South Sudan embassy, The International Organization for Migration, Academia, County Governments, Kenya National Police Service, The Judiciary, Kenya Prison Service, Kenya Tourism Board, The Directorate of Immigration Services, State Law Office, Kenya Defence Forces, Security Practitioners and Kituo Cha Sheria. This paper employed the use of primary and seconaderay data. The main primary data sources comprised of an interview guided self-administered questionnaire while, secondary data was captured from journals, books, periodicals, magazines and articles on the subject matter. A pilot study was undertaken in order to test the effectiveness of the research tool and to unravel any unforeseen challenges. The field data extracted was sorted and meticulously analyzed using document and content analysis for the emerging themes of the economic security impact of South Sudan immigrant refugees in Kenya. The final results was then presented in form of bar graphs, pie charts, narrative and frequency tables. This study adhered to the best practice research procedures; supervisor instructions The impact of emergency relief activities on Kenya’s economic security however remained indeterminate. The study found that, on the one hand these activities leverage Kenya leverage the international arena as they also reduce pressure on the local resources. The research recommends further exploration of the impact of relief activities on economic security, strengthening the regional economic blocs such as IGAD and EAC, increasing the number of serving UN military troops in UNMISS, the inking of bilateral pacts on outstanding issues between the two states and ultimately taking cognizant of the UN standardization of relief activities. The study concludes that borders are no longer controlled by authorities approving who comes in and goes out but in conjunction with neighboring countries. Finally, it recommends the update of migration policies that articulates issues relating to influence of migration on national economic security in general with a bias on the Kenyan situation.