Consequence and effectiveness of Kenya -Somalia border closure in Mandera East District-of Kenya
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Date
2009, 2009
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Kampala International University(KIU)
Kampala International University(KIU)
Kampala International University(KIU)
Abstract
he study is a descriptive exploratory case study that aims to establish the reasons for the
Kenya- Somalia border closure. It will also establish the consequences and the effectiveness of
the border closure in Mandera and Beled Hawa towns respectively in Kenya and Somalia.
Lawlessness, insecurity and anarchy are the order of the day in Somalia. This insecurity has
extended to Kenya due to proliferation of arms, entry of illegal immigrants and smuggling of
goods. Kenya having been bombed twice by ten-orist; 1998 and 2002 is averse to Islamists
groups such as Al-Shabab that controlled areas close to Kenya border hence it closed its
border to guard its national security.
The study involved different target groups such as DC Beled Hawa DO Mandera Central
Division, Alien students; Immigration Officers, Community Based Organizations, NGO's,
Headteachers, Business Community, Residents of Mandera and Beled Hawa and a total of 228
respondents were involved. And questionnaires, interview schedules and Focused Group
Discussion was used to get data from the respondents. The data was analyzed using qualitative
and quantitative research methods.
The findings were that the border closure affected the business community, students and the
residents of the two countries, Kenya and Somalia as there was a lot that they were
interdependent on such as food and fuel from Somalia, while Somalia got tea leaves,
mattresses, plastic items, education, humanitarian supplies and referral for medical treatment
and surgery at the Mandera District Hospital or other private clinics in Mandera .. The study
reconunends the reopening of the border to alleviate the suffering of the people and use other
methods to address the issue of insecurity instead.
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Keywords
Kenya-Somalia Border, Intra-State Conflicts, Eastern Region Conflict, Insecurity