Effects of Terrorism on the Livelihood of the People of Garissa County- Kenya (2015-2019) and the Counter-Terror Strategies

Abstract

Garissa County is prone to terrorism activities. Frequent terror attacks in Garissa County have had economic effects on the livelihoods of local people in Garissa County. The survey sought to determine the effects of terrorism on the living conditions of Garissa County residents, obstacles encountered by the government in curbing terrorism in Garissa County and; identify the best strategies to mitigate or curb terrorism in Garissa County. The study targeted residents, chiefs, national police officers and women groups who have been in Garissa sub-county which is in close proximity to Garissa University College where a terror attack occurred in 2015. A sample size of 399 was obtained from 163,914 residents in Garissa sub-county. The survey utilized random and purposive sampling to select the study participants. Data was collected using questionnaires, scheduled interviews and focus group discussions. Quantitative data was analyzed by means of descriptive and inferential statistics and presented in forms of means, percentages, and standard deviations. Qualitative data from the interviews and Focus Group Discussions was tape recorded, and analyzed qualitatively and presented in narratives. The study found that the effects of terrorism on residents are broad ranging from health issues to economic problems; terrorism diminishes the living conditions of the residents in Garissa County, Terrorism event diminishes the quality of life by creating anxiety and uncertainties, chasing away investors and entrepreneurs who create employment opportunities, hence reducing income levels. The study finds that counter-terrorism mitigation strategies namely law enforcement, nyumba-kumi practices (ten households) and community policing work only to a moderate extent. However, the study finds that intelligence led policing is an effective method of curbing terrorism hence; counter-terrorism measures can be based upon it. The study proves its value to a number of stakeholders such as, the government, Kenya police, residents and future researchers, by recommending on how to improve counter-terrorism mitigation strategies and consequently reduce terrorist attacks leading to improved quality of life. The study particularly recommends the government to focus on intelligence led community policing, to improve information flow and sharing, create research platforms which checks for vulnerability and commit to improving security related technology.