PHD-School of Security,Diplomacy and Peace Studies
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Browsing PHD-School of Security,Diplomacy and Peace Studies by Author "Karanja, Monicah Wanjiku"
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Item Human Trafficking and National Security at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Moi International Airport, Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2024-06) Karanja, Monicah WanjikuThis study endeavored to analyze the effects of Human Trafficking on National Security with a focus on Jomo Kenyatta and Moi International Airports in Kenya. The study embraced cross sectional survey design using both qualitative and quantitative approaches in data collection and analysis. The target population was security agents, mainly officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation and the Kenya Airport Police Unit, as well as immigration officers stationed at Jomo Kenyatta and Moi international airports. Proportionate stratified random sampling and purposive sampling were adapted to identify the participants for the study. Data collection was through thematically structured questionnaires that were in line with the study objectives, and through an interview guide. Quantitative data was analyzed through descriptive statistics using frequency distributions while qualitative data was analyzed thematically. Findings from the quantitative data revealed a significant prevalence of human trafficking at airports, with a notable gender disparity among both victims and traffickers. The results also showed that human trafficking was sustained by weak laws, involvement of human trafficking cartels, involvement of airport employees, challenges in detecting victims of human trafficking due to work permits and weak systems as well as interference by the political class. Findings from qualitative data showed that the high rate of unemployment, poverty, and discriminatory labour laws obscured the dangers associated with human trafficking, making the victims fall in the trap of the traffickers. Among other things, kidnapping, terrorism, money laundering and banditry were the biggest security risks associated with human trafficking. The findings showed that money laundering affected financial institutions and stalled economic growth of the country. Moreover, the victims of abduction engaged in heinous crimes against the nation. In addition, the study showed that human trafficking threatens national security in various ways including; undermining international cooperation, weakening governance, supporting terrorist and armed groups, supporting abusive regimes, bankrolling criminal activities, undermining community and national stability as well as fueling conflict among others. Qualitative data also revealed that human trafficking raptured the social fabric, and denied individuals, especially children, opportunities for development. Overall, the study found human trafficking to have far-reaching negative effects on national security. Based on the findings, the study recommended promotion of comprehensive approaches that involve coordinating security in all airlines and law enforcement agencies to strengthen security at the airports, and address various undercurrents that make individuals vulnerable to the persuasions of human traffickers.