Contribution Of Counter-Terrorism Strategies To Security In Lamu West Sub- County, Lamu County, Kenya.

Abstract

The twenty-first century has brought to the fore the challenge of terrorism and violent extremism, and the fact that it continues to afflict families, corporations, and countries than ever before, resulting in the loss of lives and properties. This is in spite of the fact that strategies to combat terrorism have accumulated over time, the issue of terrorism continues to escalate in many developing countries and Kenya is no exception and continues to witness increasing terrorist attacks. This study sought to examine the contribution of counter-terrorism strategies to Security in Lamu West sub-county, Lamu County, Kenya. In particular, the study was guided by the following specific objectives: to examine contribution of the stakeholders-partnership engagement on counter terrorism strategies to security in Lamu West Sub County; assess contribution of institutional framework on counter terrorism strategies to security in Lamu West Sub County; analyze the effect of public response to counter terrorism strategies to Security in Lamu West Sub- county, Lamu county; and to evaluate the influence of security agencies response to counter terrorism strategies security in Lamu West Sub- county . The study adopted the social learning theory, soft model theory and securitization theory. The study used a descriptive research design and census method of sampling was used where all the 43 respondents participated in the study. Questionnaire and interview schedules were used to collect data from the respondents and participants. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data while thematic analysis was conducted for the qualitative data. The findings from the study were presented in the form of frequency tables and descriptions (narratives and verbatim). The study found out that 74.4% of the respondents were of the opinion that strategies that had been used in Lamu sub-county to counter terrorism were effective, while 25.6% had a contrary view. The study reports that incorporating public actions, strengthening institutional capacity of stakeholders including the police have proved effective in terrorism prevention efforts. The study concludes that although there exist terrorism threats in Kenya, the counter-terrorism strategies adopted have contributed effectively as it has reduced violent attacks in major towns, but they need to be strengthened. There are several recommendations from the study. One, there is need to strengthen stakeholder engagement including the famous community policing of ‘Nyumba Kumi’ as this helps seek support from the community and other related stakeholders. Two, Sensitization could be undertaken for the members of public and security agencies. Three, there is need to enhance security sector reforms for professional policing and fair administration of justice and ensuring the security agencies are trained on how to handle the community members. Four, there should be shared collaboration between non state actors and state by creating better mechanisms for improving relationships between the community and police as well as improving efficient and effective counter terrorism measures.