Al Shabaab Terrorist Attacks and Transnational Security: Case of Non-Local Employees Attacks in Mandera County, Kenya
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Date
2023-08
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to examine the challenges faced by non-local employees in Mandera County as a result of Al-Shabaab terrorist attacks. The study found that non-local employees face significant challenges in terms of their safety and security, ability to work effectively, and overall well-being. The attacks have resulted in the loss of lives, injuries, and psychological trauma. Mandera County lost many non-resident employees who were targeted by Al-Shabaab attacks while working in quarries in Mandera County in the period between 2010 and 2015. The scenario became very complicated as it was accompanied by other attacks including the stopping of buses and targeting non-Muslims, murdering them. This caused fear and panic among non-Muslim Kenyans and foreigners working in Mandera County. It led to majority of them quitting their jobs and exiting from Mandera County under police escort. This study evaluated the difficulties faced by non-resident and regional workers in Mandera County as a result of terror attacks against them. The study's specific goals included examining how terrorist attacks prevent non-indigenous workers from staying in Mandera County, evaluating cultural barriers that prevent non-indigenous Kenyans from working there, analysing motivational barriers that prevent non-indigenous Kenyans from working there, and evaluating environmental barriers that prevent non-indigenous Kenyans from working there. The Helzberg two-factor theory and the social control theory were both used in the study. The investigation spans the years 2010 through 2017. The study used a descriptive research design, and participants included 70 respondents forming 10% of the 709 target population as representatives from government agencies, security agencies, community and religious leaders, and NGOs. Due to the sensitivity of the subject, a purposive sampling strategy was used in the study. The study used questionnaires to gather data. A pilot study was carried out in Garissa County informing the validity of the tools that drew the findings as well as the reliability of the tools. Frequency tables and charts were used in the descriptive data analysis of the data. Reports, graphs, charts, and diagrams were used to present the findings. According to the findings, terror rather than environmental or motivational factors was the main barrier preventing non-resident workers from working in Mandera County because of attacks and the brutal murders of some of their co-workers.
Description
A Research Project Submitted to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of a Master of Arts Degree in International Relations and Diplomacy, Kenyatta University, August, 2023