Immigration Along Kenya's Western Frontire and National Security Implications a case of Busia and Malaba Border Points 2000- 2020
Loading...
Date
2023-07
Authors
Ekisa, Joseph O
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Immigration is attracting international concerns as major cause of transnational insecurity. Studies on immigration have therefore gained traction globally. Of concern is that recipient states of illegal immigration tend to suffer myriad of national security threats including: proliferation of small arms and light weapons, smuggling of contraband items, drugs and human trafficking and the ever risk of terrorist activities linked to illegal immigrants. This study was solemn attempt to contribute to this discourse. The research, therefore, examined the extent to which immigration affects both internal and external security of Kenya as a country. The research was carried out in Busia and Malaba border points and focused a period between 2000 and 2020. These border points serve as major entry points to Kenya in the country's Western frontiers where thousands of people including immigrants cross the porous borders every day. This research was informed by the fact that there is need for more empirical studies on factors and threats associated with illegal immigration. The study analyzed the problems posed by this compositional change in global migration along Kenya's borders. This study utilized the neoclassical theory of migration which states that migration is driven by geographic differences in labour supply and demand and the resulting differentials in wages between labour rich countries versus capital rich countries. It was also guided by the network theory which states that immigrants follow a specific network of family, relatives and friends. This study also used the securitization theory to weave issues relating to stringent measures put in place to guard against national security implications that arise from illegal immigration. The study utilized exploratory research design using primary research methods like interviews, focus group discussions and observation. The target population included employees of Immigration Department, Directorate of Criminal Investigation, National Government Officials and National Intelligence Officers based Busia and Malaba. A sample population was obtained using stratified random sampling. Data was collected using semi- structured questionnaire and interviews. The data collected was then analyzed using qualitative techniques including content and thematic analysis. Simple descriptive statistics was used to present quantitative data. The study found that Kenya stands out to be capital rich nation within the East Africa Region resulting in intensive cross border migrations to the country. This in turn has also attracted terrorists who in the period between 2000 and 2020 have managed to carry out attacks in Kenya. This research clearly spelt out the extent of migration along Busia and Malaba borders and the security implications to Kenya. The' study concluded that most immigrants use unclassified routes to access entry into Kenya and settle in informal settlements in order to avoid detection. Most of them were involved themselves in illegal acts for example smuggling in arms, carjacking drug trafficking and smuggling of goods which undermined national security. Findings and recommendations of this study will help relevant government agencies on better approaches to check illegal migration across the border and to develop better and resilient counter terrorism strategies. The study also nuances better understanding on illegal migration.
Description
Abstract