Devolved Governance and National Security in the Context of Clannism in the North-Eastern Region, Kenya (2013–2022)
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Date
2024-04
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Devolution emphasises and focuses on context-sensitive empowerment and interventions whose benefits have a domino effect on national security. In the North-Eastern region of Kenya, devolution was implemented amid a long history of clan rivalries. However, empirical knowledge on how clannism influenced devolved governance and its effect on national security is lacking. Using theories of decentralisation, institutionalism and an integrated model based on primordialist and instrumentalist theory, this study sought to analyse the impact of devolution on national security in the context of clannism in the North-Eastern region of Kenya from 2013 to 2022. The study was conducted using a mixed method approach anchored on a cross-sectional survey design. The target population were adult household members in the region. Snowball, simple random, and purposive sampling techniques were used to obtain a representative sample of 932 study participants from Wajir, Mandera, and Garissa counties. Data were collected using questionnaires, key informant interviews, and a review of relevant documents. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and presented in the form of graphs and tables. Qualitative data were analysed using critical discourse analysis and presented through narratives and verbatim quotes. The results indicated that while devolution had realised political and fiscal benefits that could enhance security, tensions created through clan-based discrimination, perceived inadequate participatory and exclusionary governance, clan-identity politics, poor resource management and corruption foreclosed the benefits with possible negative effects on security. However, the administrative aspects of devolution fostered inter-clan unity and consequently enhanced national security through infrastructure development, increased access to water, fairly effective disaster management, and the creation of a favourable business environment. Clannism was also found to have influenced the allocation of devolved power and resources, preventing those who were not close to the centre of power from reaping the benefits of devolution; thus, strained inter-clan relationships and increased the risk of insecurity in the region and the country. Additionally, evidence from the study suggests the potential capture of local governments by elites, with the monetization of politics and the entrenchment of clan-based politics, nepotism and cronyism playing a key role. Overall, clannism was found to be a central factor in the region that undermined the residents from optimally accessing the fruits of devolution, thus negating the anticipated security benefits. Moreover, elites use a hegemonic approach to whip clannism to their support to the detriment of security in the region. Based on the findings, this study recommends the implementation of frameworks that promote equity in political representation, diversity in employment, and meaningful public engagement in governance. Furthermore, it calls for more robust measures tailored to nurture inter-clan cohesion that would facilitate a common approach in addressing insecurity challenges in the North-Eastern region to enhance national security.
Description
A Research Thesis Submitted to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Security Studies of Kenyatta University April, 2024
Supervisors:
1. Merecia Ann Sirera
2. Stephen Okumu Handa