Challenges Associated With the Control of Drug Trafficking in Kenya: the Case of the Kenyan Anti-narcotics Unit.

Abstract

Drug trafficking is a major global enterprise, controlled by powerful interests, posing substantial threats to health, security, economy, and well-being of nations worldwide. Consequently, there is a global consensus to address this challenge through enhanced control measures and proactive responses by law enforcers across the world. Recognizing the gravity of this threat, the Kenyan Government established the Anti-Narcotics Unit within the Directorate of Criminal Investigation to control the illicit drug trade within the country and through its borders. The study, therefore, aimed at investigating challenges associated with the control of drug trafficking by the Kenyan Anti-Narcotics Unit. The specific objectives were to evaluate the perceived effectiveness of the methods used by the Anti-Narcotics Unit in controlling drug trafficking in Kenya, to identify the institutional capacity challenges, determine the effect of the legal framework on the institution’s efforts to control drug trafficking, and finally, to identify the external challenges affecting the Anti-Narcotics Unit in controlling drug trafficking in Kenya challenges affecting the Anti-Narcotics Unit in controlling drug trafficking in Kenya. The paper uses three theoretical frameworks: deterrence theory, game theory, and rational choice theory. To achieve its research objectives, a descriptive survey was conducted, targeting a population of 64 Anti-Narcotics Unit officers stationed at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations headquarters and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The final sample comprised 55 officers, selected through a combination of simple random and stratified sampling techniques. The data obtained was examined using descriptive statistics and content analysis, and presented using tables, bar graphs, frequencies, and percentages. The findings of the study indicate that the methods employed by the Anti-Narcotics Unit are inadequate for the effective identification of the source of drugs and for apprehending the drug barons. However, the methods are somewhat effective in apprehending couriers and users of narcotics. It is further revealed that institutional capacity challenges, namely limited financing, lack of a laboratory, ineffective or outdated equipment, insufficient human resources, lack of exhibits, poor IT systems, and database, affect the unit's ability to identify the source of drugs, apprehend drug barons, detect drugs, determine drug destinations, and achieve high conviction rates. Moreover, the existing legal framework, namely outdated narcotics laws, notification of culprits, non-compliance with international laws, lenient punishment, and incessant court orders, presents challenges in terms of identifying the source of drugs, apprehending drug barons, and arresting couriers/users only. Additionally, it undermines the detection of drug existence and the overall conviction rates of suspects. External factors, namely corruption and inadequate resources, further exacerbate the challenges faced in controlling drug trafficking. In conclusion, the Anti-Narcotics Unit encounters numerous constraints relating to methodology, institutional capacity, legal frameworks, and external factors in its mission to control drug trafficking in Kenya. Therefore, there is a need for comprehensive legal reforms and strategic interventions to address these challenges. By putting an emphasis on improving methodologies, bolstering institutional capacity, enacting effective legal measures, and addressing external issues like corruption and resource constraints, drug trafficking can be better controlled in Kenya, and its negative effects reduced.