The impact of small arms proliferation on human Security: a case of Makindu sub county in Makueni county from 1999 - 2013

Abstract

The efforts to improve human security of individuals to alleviate human suffering has been the campaign in many states and experience has shown that the recipients in Makindu sub county, Makueni County have suffered mainly from small arms proliferation for couple of days. Human security intends to negate for individual needs; basic needs, accessibility of clean food and water, environmental security, freedom from economic exploitation and protection from physical violence by gangsters and domestic partners. Human security aims to protect the most vulnerable in the society but in Makindu sub county, small arms proliferated within the region act as a drawback to the success of human security. The study is focusing on this particular sub county and seeks to establish the impacts of these small arms on human security of the people. The statement of the problem indicates the gap to be sealed as suffering which has continued being experienced in the region hence very little has been done to curb the scourge. The study will be guided by three objectives; factors contributing to small arms proliferations, the impacts and intervention measures to small arms on human security. The research will be based on the human security theory where the primary concern of security should be the individual and Maslow's theory on psychological needs which describes safety as a basic essential need to human life. The study will employ a descriptive survey design, using questionnaires, interview guide questions and focus group discussions as research instruments. A sample of 72 respondents from the target population in Makindu sub county will provide data for the study. Data will be analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods where frequency tables, percentages, pie charts and graphs will be used in presentation.