Implications of Protracted Kenya - Somalia Boundary Disputes on Ordinary Citizens along the Border County of Lamu, Kenya (2011-2021)
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Date
2024-05
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
This study sought to investigate the implication of the protracted interstate boundary disputes on the ordinary citizens along the Kenya Somalia border of Lamu County in Kenya. The specific objectives of this study were; to analyze political history of factors driving the protracted boundary disputes between Kenya and Somalia and its influence on ordinary citizens of the two states, to assess the social economic effects of boundary disputes between Kenya and Somalia on ordinary citizens living along the common border and to explore how diplomatic strategies for boundary dispute resolution influence bilateral relations of ordinary citizens along the Kenya-Somalia border. A number of empirical studies were reviewed to inform the study. Two theories, the theory of realism and border theory were used to underpin the theoretical reflections and the conceptualization of this study. A mixed research approach was used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. The historical and exploratory research designs were used in carrying out the study whose areas of focus was in Lamu County. The population of interest in the study encompassed residents of Lamu s County who were; farmers, fishermen, teachers, businessmen, youths, women and religious leaders. This study employed mixed sampling strategies including simple stratified and purposive to select the participants of the study. Three methods of data collection were used; questionnaires, Focused Group Discussions and interviews. Primary data was blended with secondary where primary data was collected from a sample size of 500 respondents and informants and from archrival and digitalized sources. Content, thematic and theoretical analysis was used to analyze data. Qualitative data was presented in narratives and verbatim. This study concluded that Kenya and Somalia have checkered political history characterized by boundary disputes dating to colonial period. The protracted dispute has largely affected residents of Lamu County living along the border. Interplay of both historical and new emerging dynamics such as arbitrary boundaries created by colonial masters during the scramble and partition of Africa, colonialism and colonial legacies, existing cultural ties between the people of Kenya and Somalia, the Shifta War, military interventions, regional competition over resources, entry of external actors and lately the maritime dispute are the drivers of the current maritime dispute between Kenay and Somalia. The protracted dispute has both social, economic and political effects on the ordinary citizens including: continued conflict and insecurity, regional instability, Internally Displaced Persons and refugees, diplomatic spat/breaking relations, close of common border and slowed bilateral trade and investment. The following strategies for managing escalation boundary disputes have been put in place: interstate negotiations, third party mediation, multi-track diplomacy, trade and investment, cooperation on matters of security and regional integration. This study recommends that Kenya and Somalia put aside their differences; avoid adversarial position regarding existing interstate disputes and focus on pacific disputes resolution mechanism for mutual bilateral relations and her peoples.
Description
A Research Project Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Masters of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy in the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences of Kenyatta University, May 2024.
Supervisor
Xavier Francis Ichani