Adopting Explosive Detection Dogs to Counter Improvised Explosive Devices: Case of Kenya Defence Forces
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Date
2024-05
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Due to the increasing threat of improvised explosive devices in Kenya, there is need to explore new counter IED strategies that can be used to tackle this menace. For many years, dogs have always been used in security operations due to their strong scent capabilities. In Kenya, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) canine regiment was established to help in countering the increased use of IEDs by Al-Shabaab. This research investigated how explosive detection dogs can be utilized to detect explosive threats to troops in combat and hence enhancing troop’s survivability during movement or in defensive/static posture, and also improve on human security and all factors therein. The specific objectives were to: analyze the effectiveness of the current Counter Improvised Explosive Devices (C-IED) strategies, evaluate ways in which explosive detection dogs can be employed in detecting IEDs at the Kenya-Somalia Border and examine in what ways the KDF Canine Regiment can be effectively employed in Countering IEDs in Kenya. The key informants for the primary collection of data included the KDF Canine Regiment, the Kenya Police, the G4S security guards, Wells Fargo, and other security agencies operating in and around the Kenya-Somalia Border. The study used a descriptive research design that included both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. The study also applied deterrence theory and classical conditioning theory. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling were used to select sample population. From the first objective, the study found that Kenya has a counter IED unit; the counter IED unit responds promptly when called upon; the counter IED unit can detect IEDs before they explode. A majority of the respondents also agreed that there is need to reinforce the IED unit. From the second objective, a majority of the respondents agreed that: the counter IED units in the Northeastern border towns have dog units; the KDF Canine Regiment troops normally utilize explosive detection dogs to detect IEDs at the Kenya-Somalia border; the Kenya Police normally utilize dogs to detect IEDs within the Kenya-Somalia border towns; and that the G4S and Wells Fargo guards rarely utilize dogs to detect IEDs at their respective security checkpoints. From the third objective, the study found that: it was appropriate to utilize KDF Canine Regiment in homeland security; utilizing KDF canine regiment will help prevent IED attacks. The study recommends that: The KDF canine unit should expand the canine units in Kenya, especially in the Northeastern border towns to help increase the number of experts and enhance the practice of using dogs in security checkups; There should be an increased sharing of information, both at the local and international level; There is need for the KDF canine unit to integrate modern technologies in their operations, such as the use if cameras and drones; There is need for field officers to always update the canine unit in the headquarters regularly on any new developments in the field so as to stay afloat on any new materials and methods used by IED perpetrators; and there is need for the canine handlers to always undergo regular training to enhance their expertise and stay updated of any new modalities employed by the IED perpetrators.
Description
A Project Submitted to the School of Law Arts and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Award of the Degree of Master of Science in Security Strategic Studies of Kenyatta University May, 2024
supervisor.
Francis Mulu