Artificial Intelligence and Counter-Terrorism Efforts in Somalia (2014–2024)
| dc.contributor.author | Maroa, Joseph Wambura | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-02-18T07:15:12Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-02-18T07:15:12Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025-11 | |
| dc.description | A Research Project Submitted to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy of Kenyatta University, November 2025. Supervisor 1. Lazarus Ngari | |
| dc.description.abstract | Terrorism is one of the greatest contemporary threats to international peace and security. It affects most parts of the world causing instability, human suffering and underdevelopment. The technological advancement of the 21st century has been characterized by increased use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) based technologies and strategies to combat terrorism. Despite the tremendous success of AI in counter-terrorism, the technology poses numerous risks to the world. The purpose of this study was to explore the significance of AI in counter-terrorism particularly during the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). The study objectives were; to analyze the various benefits of AI in counter-terrorism; to evaluate the risks AI posed to the operational environment; to investigate the ethical challenges posed by the employment of AI-driven counter-terrorism strategies. The literature review was done basing on the content scope of the three objectives. The study reviewed the sociotechnical systems theory that posits that there is need to strike a balance between technological advancement and social impact of such advancement. The study was based in Somalia, predominantly Southern Somalia, where Al Shabaab was highly active and AMISOM had increasingly employed AI-driven approaches to counter terror operations. An exploratory research design was adopted as it aided in investigating and understanding the relatively new concept of employing AI-driven approaches in counter terrorism in Somalia. Purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 60 study participants that had insight or direct experience in the employment of AI in AMISOM counter-terrorism operations. Online research questionnaire, semi-structured interviews and document analysis of AMISOM reports were used in data collection. Quantitative data collected was analysed through statistical software tools while qualitative data was analysed thematically. The study followed ethical guidelines ensuring confidentiality and informed consent of the study participants. The study found that AI-powered approaches significantly affected counterterrorism efforts in Somalia both positively and negatively. AI-driven tools and strategies led to enhanced surveillance, increased operational efficiency, improved threat detection and reduced response time. However, the technology did not only pose numerous risks to the operational environment but also faced ethical criticism. Some of the key risks entailed overdependence on technology, misidentification risk and data privacy concerns. Furthermore, the employment of AI was faced with ethical challenges like bias and discrimination, accountability issues, human rights violations and privacy concerns. The risk mitigation measures entailed, regular training and updates, contingency plans, cybersecurity measures, regular audits and assessments, and ethical review boards. The findings of this study will be beneficial to stakeholders in the security sector especially during the employment of AI techniques. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/32482 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Kenyatta University | |
| dc.title | Artificial Intelligence and Counter-Terrorism Efforts in Somalia (2014–2024) | |
| dc.type | Thesis |