Implications of Counter-Terrorism Strategies on Radicalisation in Mombasa County, Kenya
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Date
2025-10
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Main objective was to analyse implications of counter-terrorism strategies on radicalisation in Mombasa County. Specific objectives were to examine counter-terrorism strategies implemented in the county to mitigate radicalisation, to assess the influence of counter-terrorism strategies on radicalisation trends and to evaluate the effectiveness of counter-terrorism strategies on radicalisation. The study examined terror threats in the county and evaluated the relationship between locals and security agencies. It analysed terror attacks, trends of radicalisation and security challenges facing the County. The researcher evaluated the consequences of counter-terrorism strategies in addressing radicalisation in the County. Mombasa County is among counties where terrorism and radicalisation are rampant. Mombasa County is among counties where terrorism and radicalisation are rampant. Radicalisation-driven terror acts have inflicted human suffering, including deaths and alleged extra-judicial killings, while posing security challenges and hindering economic growth. The motivation of this study was to investigate why terror threats/attacks increased in Mombasa County despite implementation of national counter-terrorism strategies since 14 December 2016. The study was guided by deterrence theory and supported by rational choice theory. The researcher adopted descriptive survey research design with administration of questionnaires and interviews to determine if CTS encourages or discourages radicalisation. Primary data collected covered the four sub-counties, namely, Mombasa Island, Changamwe, Likoni and Kisauni sub-counties. The categories of population representatives were drawn from security agencies, local authorities, religious leaders, business-people and locals especially the youth who were rescued from radicalisation. A sample of 117 people was picked from Mombasa County using the Fisher (1998) formula. Purposive sampling technique was applied and case subjects for study were picked selectively. Primary-data was collected through questionnaire while secondary data was reviewed from published studies from previous researchers, books and journals. Primary data was analyzed through sorting, categorisation, coding, summarized and interpreted. SPSS was used to analyze primary data presented in graphs, tables and pie-charts. Secondary-data was reviewed and presented in relevant literature. The study recognized that a higher percentage of the respondents were aware of counterterrorism strategies on radicalisation. Current counter-terrorism strategies to mitigate radicalisation in Mombasa County have led to improved security situation. The youth are most vulnerable to radicalisation. Current strategies, to prevent, protect, disrupt and defeat; positively influence mitigation of radicalisation in Mombasa County. Recommendations include enhancing community awareness on CTS, leveraging positive influences for broader security improvements, infusing sustainability in strategies through soft approaches, and allocating 70% of resources to preventive measures
Description
Project Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirement for the Award of the Degree of Masters of Science in Security Strategic Studies in the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences of Kenyatta University, October 2025
Supervisor:
1.Boniface Muoka