TECHNOLOGY AS A CHALLENGE IN THE COUNTER TERRORISM AGENDA IN KENYA

Abstract

Even though Kenyan government’s counter terrorism efforts have worked to a great extent to foil planned attacks by terrorists in Nairobi and other parts of the country, the attacks have persisted and continue to claim many lives. Modem technologies, including ICT has given terrorists an unprecedented impetus to stay ahead of the Kenyan government’s counterterrorism efforts. The aim of this research is to analyse and interrogate how technology has posed a challenge in the Kenya’s counter terrorism efforts. Specific objectives were to examine: the forms of technologies that terrorists use to advance their agenda in Kenya and their impact; the technological challenges that the Kenyan government faces in countering terrorism; and the counter terrorism strategies and mechanisms in place in Kenya and their impact. The study was guided by contagion theory, which postulates that contemporary or new terrorism takes advantage of available technological advances, including extensive use of mobile phones and the cyber space, making it more international in scope than it was previously. The study employed a cross-sectional design, which allowed the researcher to conduct the study in natural, real-life settings. The target population was the general population of Nairobi County and sample size of 50 residents was chosen through purposive sampling. Ten key informants were also interviewed. The findings of the study were that terrorists in Kenya - specifically Al-Shabaab - extensively use technology, including both traditional and new media (social media) for radicalization, recruitment, coordination of attacks and to mobilize for funds, and also to spread their propaganda in a bid to seek support and sympathy. The study also found out that the terrorist group is always ahead of the government’s counter terrorism efforts and the counter terrorism authorities are always playing catch-up. It was also the finding of this study that Al-Shabaab has perfected its technology in making and using explosives against military operatives. The government operatives in the anti-terrorism fight, who were interviewed, however, insisted that they are making efforts, although not yet adequate, to counter terrorism in the technological front, for example by always ensuring the Al-Shabaab Twitter accounts are suspended every time they come up. This study recommends that more resources funds, personnel and equipment be dedicated to fighting the use of technological advances by terrorists.