Managing Terrorism in the Horn of Africa: a Case Study of Kenya

Abstract

This study probes the various efforts instituted by Kenya to manage the challenge of terrorism in the country. The study further analyses the success and failure of these counterterrorism measures and seeks to identify the obstacles that have hampered the success of these anti-terrorism literature where there is limited understanding and knowledge of the evolution of terrorism in the Horn of Africa and the negative impact this security challenge has had on the country. The study hypothesizes that the country’s efforts at managing terrorism have been successful in inhibiting terrorist activity. The study however finds out that there has been limited success in this quest and various challenges both local and regional have reduced the effectiveness of her counterterrorism effort. The study observes that the terrorism challenge is not unique to Kenya but has its origins in the Middle East with its prevalence being a result of global geopolitics and has spread to Kenya due to her regional positioning and the historical context of Kenya’s colonial legacy and path to economic development. The study details the contributory role that radical Islamism has had on the growth of terrorism in the region and in Kenya in particular. It also examines the various multi-sectoral efforts instituted since 2004 in curbing this security threat. The study concludes that the efforts so far instituted are insufficient in addressing the amorphous nature of terrorist activities. There is still a lot to be done to limit the occurrence of terror attacks and guarantee public security and create an environment of peace and coexistence that is requisite to economic development and social progress.