Barriers to Collaborative Counter-Violent Extremism Efforts between the Border Police Unit and Communities in Garissa County, Kenya
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Date
2025-03
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Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
The effectiveness of border police units in countering violent extremism hinges on both enforcement and community engagement. However, numerous inhibitors obstruct this crucial approach in the potential collaboration between law enforcement and community in the fight against violent extremism. The study was set to investigate the challenges hindering effective collaboration between the Border Police Unit and communities in countering violent extremism in Garissa County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to: identify the community engagement approaches used in countering violent extremism in Garissa County, assess the effectiveness and challenges of community engagement approaches in countering violent extremism in Garissa County and analyze the barriers to effective collaboration between the Border Police Unit and communities in countering violent extremism in Garissa County. The study was guided by empowerment theory and Social Identity Theory. A survey involving community members, religious leaders and officers from the National Police Service in Garissa County was used to collect data from a sample of one hundred and fifty-four participants. Sampling was through stratified and purposive sampling. The toll of data collection was a self-administered questionnaire and key-informant guide. The study established that there was high familiarity with joint community-police meetings, community awareness outreach, and sports activities among community members. Community engagement approaches for countering violent extremism in Garissa County appeared not to have been fully accepted by the community members. The barriers to effective community engagement initiatives in countering violent extremism were lack of trust in law enforcement, fear of repercussions or surveillance, and historical negative interactions with law enforcement. The study recommends that the National Police Service should conduct targeted awareness campaigns on victim support centers and the Nyumba Kumi initiative. The Ministry of Interior should implement engagement schedules for regular interactions between border patrol police and community members. In addition, the Border Patrol Police should organize community forums for open discussions between law enforcement and community members. Finally, the National Police Service should rebuild trust and improve relations between law enforcement and the community
Description
A Research Project Submitted to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of a Degree of Master of Arts in Leadership and Security Management of Kenyatta University, March, 2025
Supervisor:
1.Bernard Munyao Muiya