Terrorism:challenges facing Kenya’s national security and national responses to terrorism,1981-2003

Abstract

This research set out to investigate the challenges facing Kenya in combating terrorism. At the onset the researcher proposed to investigate the factors that expose Kenya to terrorism. In addition the researcher undertook to find out the impact of terrorism on national security. This investigation was linked to finding out the measures the government has put in place to combat terrorism and their effectiveness. The research came up with findings that terrorism is a threat to national security in various social, economic and political aspects. The government responses to combat terrorism include formulating local legislation on counter-terrorism bill, establishment of specialized forces to carry out investigations and deterring any terrorist activities in its territory. The measures are faced with challenges in economic and technical fronts. The recommendations drawn from the study include that of coming up with a working definition of terrorism. Secondly the government should extend its regional network and cooperation to effectively gather intelligence for adequate response to suppress terrorism. This research is appropriate for information to students of security studies and government policy makers who are in charge of designing counter-terrorism strategies.