Efficacy of Multiagency Operations in Mitigating Insecurity in Lamu County Kenya “2014-2022”
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Date
2023
Authors
Simiyu, John K.
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Abstract
The value of multiagency operations in response to insecurity threats has been
widely debated among different stakeholders. However, this debate is limited in the
sense that it ignores the complex nature of multiagency operations. These barriers hinder
information sharing across agencies and the heterogeneity of the terrorism phenomenon.
This withstanding, many countries, including Kenya, have employed a multiagency
approach in addressing national security issues, but there is inadequate empirical
evidence on the effectiveness in mitigating insecurity issues. This study sought to
determine the efficacy of multiagency operations in mitigating insecurity in Kenya. The
study was informed by activity theory and collaborative advantage theory. An ex post
facto survey research design method was employed in this study. The study was
conducted in Lamu County, focusing on the security officers in the County. The targeted
population was 833 security officers in Lamu County. Stratified random sampling was
used to find a sample of 270 security officers. The response rate was 75 per cent
including 203 participants from the 270 administered. Data collection instruments
include interview schedule and a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statics, which
encompasses the use of frequencies and percentages, was used to display the basic
features of the quantitative data collected. Thematic analysis was employed in handling
qualitative data by generation of themes through grouping employing open coding.
Presentation of results was done by the use of pie charts, bar graphs, tables and
narratives. The study found that trust among agencies impacted positively on the
efficacy of multiagency operation by promoting joint planning, joint operations, joint
briefing and debriefs. However, lack of trust hampered sharing of information amongst
the agencies thus the need for information security sensitization and joint training. The
study found that good leadership and coordination was required in enhancing the
efficacy of multiagency operation. The study singled out the need of developing a policy
on the ranking structure of KDF and NPS to enhance command and control of
multiagency operations. The study also found that role clarity is important in enhancing
the efficacy of multiagency operation as it prevents inter-agency conflicts and
duplication of duties. However, there was need to address cases of inter-agency
competition conflicts, agency inferiority and superiority complex. In general, Lamu
County has become safer and stable due to the ongoing multiagency operation. There is
reduction in crime rate, reduction in both IED and PSV attacks. There is remarkable
improvement in both the tourism and education sectors. The study concludes that the
multiagency operation has mitigated insecurity in the county and contributed to the
return of normalcy. It is anticipated that the outcomes of this study will to enlighten
policymakers in the security sector in planning multiagency operations and scholars
interested in the efficacy of multiagency operations in Kenya.
Description
A Research Project Submitted to the School of
Security, Diplomacy and Peace Studies in Partial
Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of
Master of Arts in Leadership and Security
Management Degree of Kenyatta University
Keywords
Multiagency, Insecurity, Lamu County, Kenya, “2014-2022”