| dc.description.abstract | The goal of all disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programs is the pursuit of peace and stability through the management of weapons and sustainable reintegration of former combatants. Kenya faces a unique situation with the return of ex Al-shabab terrorists into the country, following the declaration of a government amnesty on any terrorist of Kenyan descent, willing to return and be rehabilitated. This study, therefore, sets out to: examine the reasons behind the rise and recruitment of Kenyan youth into the Al=shabab militia group in Kwale County; to evaluate the extent of social relations between Al-shabab returnees and members of the society in Kwale County, Kenya; to analyse the security challenges posed by Al=shabab returnees of Kenya’s origin in Kwale County and lastly, to assess government efforts in addressing the issue of assimilation and integration of Al=shabab returnees into the society in Kwale County. It is demonstrated in this study that the state has continued to face challenges as it tries to engage in the process of re-integrating ex-returnee Al-shabab into the community. The study further demonstrates that social, political, and economic variables have played a significant role in the reintegration of ex-Al=shabab returnees in Kwale County, both favorably and adversely. The study used a descriptive survey design that is descriptive in nature as a methodological approach. In certain cases, quantitative research methods were utilized to supplement descriptions derived from the analysis of both primary and secondary data. Oral interviews, questionnaires, and an observation schedule were all used in the data collection process. Similarly, purposive sampling procedure was used to identify key informants' knowledgeable about issues of terrorism in order for the research to provide meaningful data. Additionally, secondary data was acquired from books and peer reviewed journal articles while analysis of data was done in a systematic and comparative way to reduce chances of bias and subjectivity. Overall, analysis also took into consideration the theoretical frameworks such as the rational choice theory as a tool of analysis. The study concludes that political factors, religious factors and social economic factors have contributed a lot to the re-integration (assimilation) of Al=shabab returnees in the Kwale County. This study, therefore, recommends that there is a need by the government to do more in order to accommodate the Al=shabab returnees. Since terrorism is caused by socio-economic dynamics related to poverty, family breakdown and unemployment, there is a need for the government to come up with a policy framework on poverty reduction and employment among the youth. This could be achieved by enhancing the Kazi kwa Vijana initiative. Finally, this study recommends that further research should be undertaken among counties which have experienced similar cases of ex Al=shabab returnees. There is also a need to undertake a study on the effectiveness of Kenya’s security and intelligence system in curbing terrorism in Kenya | en_US |
