Dynamics of maritime border dispute influencing bilateral relations between Kenya and Somalia

Jemwetich Kiplagat; Pontian Godfrey Okoth; Sussy Namaemba Kimokoti

doi:10.51867/ajernet.6.3.66

Authors

Jemwetich Kiplagat
jemwetichkiplagat58@gmail.com
Masinde Muliro University of Science and technology, Kenya https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1180-8126
Pontian Godfrey Okoth Masinde Muliro University of Science and technology, Kenya https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8369-9029
Sussy Namaemba Kimokoti Masinde Muliro University of Science and technology, Kenya

Keywords:

Disputes, Geo-Politics, Inter-State Relations, Kenya-Somali Border, Maritime

Abstract

The Somalia-Kenya relation is imminent and existed before for many years. Since 1963, the Kenyan-Somali irredentism factor has been a constant threat to Kenya’s sovereignty, political stability and foreign policy. Kenya and Somalia have maintained a long-standing partnership in the fields of diplomacy, politics, and commerce. Nevertheless, their maritime diplomacy has become more contentious as a result of a multifaceted combination of geopolitical factors. The two neighbouring countries in East Africa are currently involved in a dispute over a maritime border in the Indian Ocean, an area that is rumoured to contain substantial oil and gas reserves. The study was anchored on the theory of geopolitics. This study used a descriptive research design. The target population for the study included fishermen, oil and gas traders, diplomats, officials from the Ministry of Interior and National Government Coordination, security personnel, the Kenya Coast Guard, opinion leaders, legal experts, lawmakers, local administration officials, and officials from the Ras Kamboni Brigade. The total study population was 14166, from which a sample size of 384 was drawn based on Fisher’s formula. The study utilised simple random sampling, purposive and stratified sampling techniques to select participants. Primary data was collected using questionnaires, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The study also utilised secondary data. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS version 25 and presented in the form of frequencies and percentages through tables and graphs. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic techniques and presented as narrative reports and verbatim quotations. The main findings of the study revealed that the contested Indian Ocean area provides a source of income and livelihood for fishermen and is believed to have vast oil and gas deposits, which explains the global attention it has attracted. The study concluded that the maritime border dispute between Kenya and Somalia is deeply influenced by a complex web of regional dynamics, international mediation, and great power interests. The study recommends that it is crucial to conduct comprehensive and unbiased assessments of the historical, cultural, and economic factors that contribute to the dispute.

Dimensions

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