Perspectives on Security Agencies’ Counter-Terrorism Strategies and Human Rights Safeguards in Kenya (1998-2020)
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Date
2024-04
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
This study aims to explore perspectives on security agencies’ counter-terrorism strategies and human rights safeguards in Kenya (1998-2020). Specifically, the study sought to: evaluate the effectiveness of various security agencies counterterrorism strategies in Kenya between 1998 and 2020, assess effects of security agencies counter- terrorism strategies on human rights violations in Kenya between 1998 and 2020 and investigate the challenges faced by security agencies counterterrorism strategies in combating threat of terrorism and protection of human rights in Kenya. The study draws on both Deterrence and Liberalism Theory to inform its analysis. The research utilized a descriptive research design, and the target population consisted of 420 civil society groups, human rights organizations, security agencies, and counter-terrorism agencies (CSOs). A sample of 150 respondents who were given a questionnaire and an interview schedule was obtained through the use of two-stage purposive sampling technique. The collected numeric data were analyzed with the assistance of SPSS software version 26.0, while the collected qualitative data were processed thematically through the utilization of content analysis. The analyzed data was reported in the form of narrative and displayed on tables, charts and bars. The study findings revealed that government of Kenya has deployed a number of security agencies counterterrorism strategies between 1998 and 2020 among them being, arrests, prosecutions, detentions, multiagency approach, using security forces, educating the public, fighting terrorism through creation of income generating activities, enactment of the anti-terrorism act, monitoring and interception of money transactions and regulating the media. According to the findings of the study, the majority of the counterterrorism strategies implemented by Kenya's various security agencies have been ineffective in accomplishing the country's overarching objective of eradicating terrorism. In addition, the study discovered that the most common challenges faced by security agencies counterterrorism strategies in combating the threat of terrorism and protecting human rights in Kenya include insufficient funds, inadequate training, increased youth radicalization, and a lack of support from the general public. The study comes to the conclusion that government security agencies and international entities have a responsibility to take all necessary steps to protect human rights both within and outside of the jurisdiction of the country against extremism.
Description
A Research Thesis Submitted in Partial Fullfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy in the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences of Kenyatta University, April 2024.
Supervisors
1. Peter Wafula Wekesa
2. Stephen Handa