Kireru, Simon2026-02-242026-02-242025-10https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/32556A Research Project Submitted to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Security Science and Management of Kenyatta University, October, 2025 Supervisor: 1.Gerald MutonyiInter-agency coordination in countering armed banditry involves collaborative efforts among multiple security agencies to combat threats. It is for this reason that various agencies are on the border of Isiolo and Meru counties, Kenya to countering armed banditry. Despite this occurrence, limited studies have researched inter-agencies coordination in countering armed banditry on that border. Hence, this study investigated inter-agencies coordination, and the way they sway armed banditry on the Isiolo and Meru counties’ border. The objectives utilized for the study were: assessing the various forms of existing coordination mechanisms employed by security agencies in addressing armed banditry, identifying the key challenges hindering effective collaboration, and the recommending strategies for improvement. The study was led by the institutional and contingency theories. It used a cross-sectional survey design, focusing on the security officers from various agencies, local county government officials and NGAO officers, elders and the leaders of CBOs and residents as the target population. A multistage sampling technique was applied, starting by clustering of sections within the study range. Clustering of the county into constituencies and wards was by purposive sampling. Stratified sampling was applied to get the respondents in various clusters. A questionnaire and an interview guide were the research instruments. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically, quantitative data was examined using descriptive statistics: percentages, averages and pie charts. The study found five forms of inter-agencies coordination mechanisms: multi-agencies joint security operations, specialized rapid police and military units, encouraging locals to participate in nyumba kumi, youth rehabilitation programs for ex-bandits and at-risk youth, working with humanitarian organizations to support affected communities. The study found five challenges: institutional overlaps and structural red tape, inadequate resources and insufficient logistics, delayed intelligence and slow response to attacks, community mistrust of security, difficult terrain and remote settlements enabling banditry. The study found five strategies for improving inter-agencies coordination: enhancing security agencies' institutional arrangements and capacity-building programs, strengthening the unified command centers, strengthening intelligence gathering and response mechanisms, fostering citizens' trust by strengthening community policing, utilizing innovative technologies for surveillance. It concluded that, the various forms of existing inter-agencies coordination, heavily impact addressing armed banditry. But the same face various the key challenges in coordinating their efforts to counter armed banditry. But they can be improved through various strategies of inter-agencies coordination to effectively counter armed banditryenThesis