Border Management Through Diplomacy As A Counter- Terrorism Strategy Along Kenya And Somalia Frontier
| dc.contributor.author | Ating'a, Reuben | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-09-02T09:34:57Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-09-02T09:34:57Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025-03 | |
| dc.description | A Research Thesis Submitted In Fulfillment Of The Requirements For The Award Of The Degree Of Doctor Of Philosophy In International Relations And Diplomacy In The School Of Law, Arts And Social Sciences Of Kenyatta University. Supervisors: 1. Kigen Morumbasi 2. Stephen Handa | |
| dc.description.abstract | The terrorism issue along the Kenya-Somalia border poses a significant challenge to national security, regional stability, and bilateral relations. The persistence of these cross-border extremist threats has highlighted the limitations of conventional diplomatic approaches in effectively addressing terrorism. This study, therefore, explored the role of border diplomacy in managing terrorism along the Kenya-Somalia border, guided by four specific objectives. First, it examined the role of border diplomacy in mitigating cross-border terrorism between the two nations. Second, it explored the diplomatic methods employed by Kenya and Somalia to counter-terrorism and evaluated their effectiveness. Third, the study identified the challenges that hinder the success of border diplomacy in managing terrorism along this border. Lastly, the study offered recommendations for enhancing border diplomacy to address terrorism in this context better. Using a descriptive survey design, the research was framed within structural realism and border security theory. Respondents were selected from the study area, including residents, community leaders, government officials, border security personnel, immigration officers, traders, and businesspeople. A combination of purposive and simple random sampling methods was employed, resulting in a sample size of 300 household heads and 90 key informants. Data was collected through focus group discussions, questionnaires, and observations, while secondary data was sourced from relevant articles. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze quantitative data, with content analysis applied to qualitative data. The study found that border diplomacy, particularly through joint commissions and diplomatic meetings, positively influenced bilateral relations, though territorial disputes undermined its full effectiveness. It also revealed that the success of diplomatic approaches depended on how well Kenya and Somalia balanced security needs with regional power dynamics. Additionally, the study identified several challenges to border diplomacy, including porous borders, clan conflicts, human trafficking, and smuggling. To enhance border diplomacy, the study recommended improvements in intelligence sharing, joint patrols, establishing a Border Diplomacy Council, and creating regular diplomatic forums. Furthermore, it suggested investing in local development, engaging border communities in security efforts, and addressing the socio-economic vulnerabilities that extremists exploit. Finally, the study emphasized the importance of supporting governance improvements in Somalia to stabilize the border region and counter terrorism more effectively. | |
| dc.description.sponsorship | Kenyatta University | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/31365 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Kenyatta University | |
| dc.title | Border Management Through Diplomacy As A Counter- Terrorism Strategy Along Kenya And Somalia Frontier | |
| dc.type | Thesis |