Policing human security: Perception of anti-terrorism policing and preparedness in Kenya

Abstract

This study deals with security dynamics and the ways in which lives of ordinary persons are affected. Specifically, the study involves policing human-security in urban centers which are targets of international terrorism networks. The impact of such policing and its implications is seen in relation to perception of security stakeholders in Nairobi city and how such actors engage in anti-terrorism policing as a coping mechanism. The study therefore is an attempt to examine the role played by different security stakeholders who have either been direct victims of terrorism or those who indirectly perceive themselves as potential targets in everyday life. At the core of its objective, the study attempts to establish the various policing measures and strategies employed by security stakeholders and their effect on human-security of individuals. The researcher targeted the core of Nairobi Central Business district, which has been a victim - of terrorism activities both in early 80s and late 90s. Therefore, the reader may find some events considered in the study and may lack in terms of in depth analysis such areas as domestic terrorism are considered to fall under this assumption as the researcher was concerned mostly with terrorism that takes an international perspective. Most of the paper is written in story format owing to the kind of information generated from selected security stakeholders. Analysis has therefore been presented in narration format. Information generated is based on discussions that the researcher carried out with various stakeholders. Past experiences, current challenges and future orientations towards reducing security threats and risks have been covered in-depth throughout the study.