Assessing the Effectiveness of Local-Based Approaches Adopted Towards Addressing Terrorism in Lamu County, Kenya and Baadadhe District, Somalia
Keywords:
Anti-Terrorism, Counter-Terrorism Strategy, EfficacyAbstract
In the global context, terrorism has evolved into a complex and transnational threat. Al-Shabaab posed significant threats, particularly to East African countries, due to its capacity for numerous attacks in Somalia and neighboring nations. Despite employing alternative strategies, such as a multiagency and comprehensive government approach to tackle terrorism in Lamu and Baadadhe, acts of terror persisted in the region. The study explored the efficacy of a populace-centered approach in curbing terrorism in Somalia and Kenya. The populace-centered approach aimed to actively involve the local population in Lamu County, Basuba Ward, in socio-economic development initiated by security personnel to address the root cause of insecurity problems. The approach was guided by the Securitization theory, System theory, and Power theory, which held a significant relationship with the terror threats and insecurity challenges in Lamu County and Baadadhe district. The study employed a descriptive research design with stratified sampling, with target population 4506 and a sample size of 363 obtained through Slovin sampling formula. It gathered stakeholders' perspectives through questionnaires, interviews, and group discussions. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses . Quantitative data was analyzed through statistical analysis while qualitative data was analyzed thematic analysis. The analysis revealed community responses to terrorism, including physical and cyber threats, through initiatives like neighborhood watch groups and religious collaborations. The study highlighted the importance of strengthening existing structures like neighborhood watch groups and enhancing collaborations with religious leaders and schools. The study concluded that the populace involvement in countering terrorism in Lamu, Kenya and Baadadhe, Somalia reflects a vigilant and multifaceted approach encompassing various aspects, from physical to cyber threats. Further, the research concluded that populace-centered approach is effective in curbing terrorism through information sharing. The study recommended for active involvement of community leaders in security committees and advocated for a legal framework supporting a populace-centered approach to counter-terrorism. Policymakers and security agencies should consider diverse economic and environmental contexts in Lamu County, Kenya, Baadadhe, Somalia.
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
Copyright (c) 2024 Joshuah Wambugu Wahome, Susan Namaemba Kimokoti, Elijah Onyango Standslause Odhiambo
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Most read articles by the same author(s)
- Rose Wanjiku Muthee, Ruth Naliaka Simiyu, Susan Namaemba Kimokoti, Citizens’ Perspective on the Influence of Police Reforms on Post-Conflict Corruption Management in Migori County, Kenya , African Journal of Empirical Research: Vol. 4 No. 2 (2023): Jul-Dec 2023
- Winnie Winfrade Awuor Oyugi, Pontian Godfrey Okoth, Elijah Onyango Standslause Odhiambo, Assessing the Socio-Economic Impact of the Chinese Transfer of Values, Skills, and Technology in Infrastructural Development in Kenya , African Journal of Empirical Research: Vol. 4 No. 2 (2023): Jul-Dec 2023
- Jovince Okoth Kwadha Wende, Frank Khachina Matanga, Elijah Onyango Standslause Odhiambo, Challenges to Peaceful Nominations: Youth Participation in Politics in Homa Bay County, Kenya , African Journal of Empirical Research: Vol. 5 No. 4 (2024): Oct-Dec 2024
- Hillary Kibet, Pontian Godfrey Okoth, Elijah Onyango Standslause Odhiambo, Exploring the Interplay Between Multiagency Security Challenges and Economic Security in Lamu County, Kenya , African Journal of Empirical Research: Vol. 5 No. 4 (2024): Oct-Dec 2024
- William Kitsao Karisa Shume, Pontian Godfrey Okoth, Elijah Onyango Standslause Odhiambo, Security-Diplomacy Nexus: Nature of Bilateral Cooperation in Kenya - India Military Diplomatic Relations Since 1963 , African Journal of Empirical Research: Vol. 5 No. 4 (2024): Oct-Dec 2024
- Beatrice Akoth Onamu, Frank Khachina Matanga, Elijah Onyango Standslause Odhiambo, The Nature of Gender Mainstreaming Policies in Nakuru and Narok Counties, Kenya , African Journal of Empirical Research: Vol. 5 No. 4 (2024): Oct-Dec 2024
- Beatrice Akoth Onamu, Prof. Frank Khachina Matanga, Rev. Dr. Elijah Onyango Standslause Odhiambo, Women’s Political Participation Opportunities in the Nakuru and Narok Counties of Kenya , African Journal of Empirical Research: Vol. 5 No. 4 (2024): Oct-Dec 2024