PHD-Department of Security and Correction Science

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    Human Trafficking and National Security at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Moi International Airport, Kenya
    (Kenyatta University, 2024-06) Karanja, Monicah Wanjiku
    This 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.
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    Devolved Governance and National Security in the Context of Clannism in the North-Eastern Region, Kenya (2013–2022)
    (Kenyatta University, 2024-04) Rashid, Abdi Elmi
    Devolution emphasises and focuses on context-sensitive empowerment and interventions whose benefits have a domino effect on national security. In the North-Eastern region of Kenya, devolution was implemented amid a long history of clan rivalries. However, empirical knowledge on how clannism influenced devolved governance and its effect on national security is lacking. Using theories of decentralisation, institutionalism and an integrated model based on primordialist and instrumentalist theory, this study sought to analyse the impact of devolution on national security in the context of clannism in the North-Eastern region of Kenya from 2013 to 2022. The study was conducted using a mixed method approach anchored on a cross-sectional survey design. The target population were adult household members in the region. Snowball, simple random, and purposive sampling techniques were used to obtain a representative sample of 932 study participants from Wajir, Mandera, and Garissa counties. Data were collected using questionnaires, key informant interviews, and a review of relevant documents. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and presented in the form of graphs and tables. Qualitative data were analysed using critical discourse analysis and presented through narratives and verbatim quotes. The results indicated that while devolution had realised political and fiscal benefits that could enhance security, tensions created through clan-based discrimination, perceived inadequate participatory and exclusionary governance, clan-identity politics, poor resource management and corruption foreclosed the benefits with possible negative effects on security. However, the administrative aspects of devolution fostered inter-clan unity and consequently enhanced national security through infrastructure development, increased access to water, fairly effective disaster management, and the creation of a favourable business environment. Clannism was also found to have influenced the allocation of devolved power and resources, preventing those who were not close to the centre of power from reaping the benefits of devolution; thus, strained inter-clan relationships and increased the risk of insecurity in the region and the country. Additionally, evidence from the study suggests the potential capture of local governments by elites, with the monetization of politics and the entrenchment of clan-based politics, nepotism and cronyism playing a key role. Overall, clannism was found to be a central factor in the region that undermined the residents from optimally accessing the fruits of devolution, thus negating the anticipated security benefits. Moreover, elites use a hegemonic approach to whip clannism to their support to the detriment of security in the region. Based on the findings, this study recommends the implementation of frameworks that promote equity in political representation, diversity in employment, and meaningful public engagement in governance. Furthermore, it calls for more robust measures tailored to nurture inter-clan cohesion that would facilitate a common approach in addressing insecurity challenges in the North-Eastern region to enhance national security.
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    Radicalization of prisoners on prison security management in maximum security prison facilities in Kenya
    (Kenyatta University, 2023) Cheboi, Peter Komen; Stephen Handa; Casper Masiga
    Radicalization is emerging as a big security threat and concern in all nations more so when it takes place in prison facilities. This raises serious concerns on the prison security management. This study therefore examined radicalization of prisoners on prison security management in Maximum Prison facilities in Kenya. The Specific objectives of the study were to establish causes of prisoners’ radicalization in prisons facilities, explore how radicalization is propagated in prisons facilities, examine the effects of prisoners’ radicalization on prison security management and determine the challenges associated with mitigating prisoners’ radicalization in prison security management in prison facilities in Kenya. The study was anchored on uncertaintyidentity theory, deterrence theory, and rehabilitation theory of punishment. The study employed descriptive survey and exploratory research designs. The study was carried out in Shimo la Tewa, Kamiti and Lang’ata Women Prisons which were selected because of their high security level to hold high and very high risk prisoners as a result of their offences. The target population was 7400 comprising of 6000 prisoners and 1400 prison officers from the three facilities were selected using both secondary data, purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Quantitative data were analyzed statistically while thematic content analysis technique was applied to analyze qualitative data and presented appropriately using different methods. Key findings of this study revealed that radicalization occurred in prison facilities due to diverse factors including religious ideology, inadequate information sharing among key security agencies, social-economic factors, and laxity among the officers which pose serious threat to the prison security. Among the challenges encountered when mitigating radicalization were; lack of adequate inadequate information sharing, congestion, insufficient resources and ill-training of prison officers on handling radicalization of prisoners. The study recommends formulation of policy framework on multi-agency digitized information sharing system, improvement of infrastructure in prison facilities, improvement in general welfare of prison staff and enhanced vetting of staff to curb radicalization and enhance prison and national security management to address the various concerns raised in the study.
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    Commercialized Security and National Security in Nairobi City County, Kenya.
    (Kenyatta University, 2021) Mutonyi, Gerald Peter; Merecia Ann Sirera; Wangari Mwai
    In Kenya, the maintenance of security for the citizens had traditionally been the state‟s duty. However, non-state actors have come up to offer security to those who can afford to buy it. Despite this development, few studies have examined commercialized security and national security. Using Security Governance theory and Network Analysis theory, this study sought to examine commercialized security and national security. The study adopted a cross sectional survey design, and was carried out in Nairobi amongst the adult residents classified as either consumers or providers of commercial security industry (CSI). Clustering of the County into constituencies and wards was by purposive sampling. Purposive sampling was used to select those who purchase or manage CSI services for their organizations as well as management of the CSI firms. The general public and security guards were systematically sampled. A questionnaire, interview guide and structured observation were instruments of data collection. Quantitative data was analyzed by both descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics mainly frequency distributions were used to summarize the results facilitating in analysis of the key findings as well as presentation of findings. Inferential statistics specifically multiple regression analysis was used to predict the contributions of specific CSI services on national security and in drawing conclusions of overall effects. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically. Qualitative and quantitative data were triangulated to provide robust illustrations of key findings. The findings of the study revealled that CSI makes a positive significant contribution to national security: F (4, 369) = 9.42, p ˂ .001, R2 = .093. The results of the regression indicated that the model explained 9.3% of the variance. As regards the specific services, the results demonstrate that (1) Manned guarding significantly contributes to the 26 % of outcome of the CSI B = .260, β = .135, P = .007; (2) Alarm and Electronics 22.9 %; B = .229, β = .224, P = .001; (3) CVIT security service contributes significantly and positively at 10.8 %; B = .108, β = .118, P = .018. While CSI investigative service 3.6 % (B = .036, β = .084, P < = .103 although it was not significant. From qualitative data the participants narrated that the manned guarding as a service of CSI increases the visible presence of security agents in the environment a factor that discourages criminal activities and provides feelings of safety, Alarms and electronics were said to detection of criminal and harmful activities hence intervening in stopping crime, intelligence on criminal activities through surveillance, and creating a culture of security and crime awareness all which contribute to enhancing national security. However, despite valuable contributions CSI was limited in several ways which could explain the relatively low but significant contribution to the national security. The limitations include; not being armed with firearms, poor working conditions of security personnel, lack of courtesy by guards, lack of trust by the state security agencies, lack of regulation and licensing and security personnel who are not adequately trained. In relation to best practices, the study found improved working conditions of the security personnel, adequate training and development for the security personnel, cooperation with the state security agencies, after sale service, and enforcement of regulations, could help improve the CSI services hence increase their contribution to the national security. The study concludes, that CSI though motivated by profit making plays, a significant role that enhances state capacity in provision of security as well as contributes to safety of citizens. Based on the findings, the study recommends effective regularization of CSI as well collaboration between with state security agents.