The Role of Regional Peace Initiatives in Fostering Human Security Among Member States: a Case Study of the Nepad Initiative in Kenya(2000-2005)

Abstract

Ordinarily the primary responsibility of a state is to maintain law and order and to safeguard its citizens from external aggression. But contrary to this popular myth, states have struggled over time to guarantee security to their people with partial success.

International organizations have been set up to fill the gap where states have failed to design security for their people.

This research is a case study of the NEPAD Peace Initiative In Kenya and it sets out to investigate its activities, objectives, achievements and challenges.

The New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) is one such international peace initiative grounded in a vision of people living at peace with themselves. NEPAD is described as a 'holistic' initiative with programmes that cover a broad rage of activities that include peace and security, health, education, telecommucations, tourism, agriculture, good governance, infrastructure, an enabling environment for local and international investment and a common commitment of African countries individually and collectively towards achieving peace and security.

The findings in this case study are fully documented and they show that the NEPAD peace initiative complements the efforts of regional economic blocs in reaching out to the international community and it is an answer to Africa's internal problems and her marginalization in world affairs.