Interagency Security Approaches in Counter-Terrorism: A Study of Lamu County, Kenya
Loading...
Date
2025-09
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
This study explored interagency security approaches in counter-terrorism in Lamu County, Kenya, focusing on vulnerabilities to terrorist activities by groups like Al-Shabaab. The purpose was to examine the interagency security approaches in counter-terrorism in Lamu County. A mixed-methods research design combined qualitative (interviews, observations) and quantitative (questionnaires) techniques. The study targeted categories within the interagency framework, including National Police Service (NPS), Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU), National Intelligence Service (NIS), National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Kenya Coast Guard, National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), religious leaders, community leaders, and NGOs. Using purposive and simple random sampling, 115 respondents were selected. Data collection involved questionnaires, interviews, document reviews, and observations, with secondary data from government reports, scholarly publications, and media sources. Ethical compliance was ensured via informed consent and anonymity. Findings highlighted determinants of interagency collaboration: trust, clear communication, joint training, coordination, leadership, and resource allocation. Essential technologies included real-time information-sharing platforms, drones, and data analytics. Challenges impeding implementation were limited resources, logistical constraints, mistrust, poor communication, bureaucracy, and legal barriers. Factors fostering cooperation included trust-building, communication frameworks, technology, and joint training. Recommendations include institutionalizing joint training to enhance trust, increasing resource allocation for surveillance, establishing secure information-sharing platforms, and creating community-based counterterrorism units to improve intelligence and counter radicalization
Description
A Research Project Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of Requirement for the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts in Security Strategic Studies in the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences of Kenyatta University, September 2025