Effectiveness of Counter-terrorism Strategies in the Horn of Africa Region- a Case Study of Lamu County

Abstract

Terrorism is a major danger to the world and safety at domestic, regional and international levels. It challenges the basic principles of law, justice, human rights and freedom and proves to be an affront to international bodies such as the UN, Global Covenant and the AU Constitutive Act of Africa. It threatens states' territorial sovereignty, security and stability. Effective counter-terrorism approaches can critically mitigate risks and deleterious effects of terrorism. In Kenya, the government through various security agencies, has engaged in counter terrorism operations. There have been continued attacks in Kenya by terrorist elements prompting the GOK to advance counter terrorism strategies and adopt robust counter-terrorism mechanisms in fighting terrorism. This study has been prompted by continued attacks by suspected Al-Shabaab terrorists in Lamu County despite the GOK adopting numerous counter terrorism strategies in its operations. The general objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of counter-terrorism strategies being adopted in managing terrorism in the Horn of Africa and Moreso the challenges faced while managing terrorism in Lamu County, Kenya. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: evaluate counter-terrorism strategies employed by the GOK in Lamu County; determine institutional frameworks being utilized by the GOK in Lamu County and examine challenges in implementing counter terrorism strategies by the GOK in Lamu County.