The Role of Kenyan Military on Regional Security: Case Study of Kenya Defence Forces Operation in Somalia

Abstract

This study is designed to analyze the roles of Africa military on the regional security, with reference to KDF operation in Somalia. specific objectives were: to analyse the causes and drives of Somalia conflict and threats it posed to HoA region security; to establish the effects and threats of Somalia conflict on national and HoA regional security; to analyze the role of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in protecting the national security against external aggression from Somalia conflict threats and; to establish the general roles of Kenya Defence Forces in promoting regional security through its operation in Somalia. The researcher reviewed the concept and dimensions of security, theories of international relations, conflict and security issues in HoA, Somalia conflicts and its threats to regional security (specifically threat to Ethiopia, Djibouti and Kenya). The researcher employed a qualitative research design with both simple random and purposive sampling technique and a sample size of 60 respondents. Structured questionnaire was used to gather primary data and analyzed using descriptive statistical method. The study found that the main cause of Somalia conflict is the social context of human development. i.e. clannism and subclans, Said Barre dictatorship rule and leadership, scrambled for scarce resources, rise of warlords, and reluctant for the super powers to act. With reference to role of KDF; KDF have protected the national/regional to a large extent (85%), combated lawlessness and restoring order within the region to a large extent (90%), enhancing regional economic stability and combating terrorism a very large extent (80%). The study concludes that African military have been instrumental toward protection and enhancement of regional security. It recommends that they should be engaged in restoring amity in conflict stricken states within the continent, be equipped with modern state-of-art of skills and hardware for combating terrorism and piracy.1 Finally, regional leaders to work on a progressive plan aimed at restoring peace, security and stability by involving the warring parties to a conclusive amicable agreement.