Multiple Actors and Security Dilemma in Turiuna North Region, Kenya.
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Date
2017-10
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Kampala International University, College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Abstract
Turkana North region has witnessed perennial insecurity more than any other region in East
Africa. This study sought to establish the role of multiple actors in the security dilemma that
engulfed the Turkana North region, with the aim of identifying the security actors, establish the
causes of insecurity; examine the challenges faced in security provision and thereafter establish
the strategies/measures that can minimize insecurity in the region. Through the use of an
exploratory research design and by utilizing a sample of 85 individuals; key informant interviews
and focus group discussions, demographic characteristics and key themes were identified.
Multiple government and civilian security agencies and individuals, are prominent in the region.
Existence of numerous actors reveals disharmony in security provisioning in the area. Regional
and endemic fragility, porosity of borders, security policy inertia, poor security infrastructure,
prevalence of small arms and light weapons as well as rampant and veracity of cross border
pastoral anned conflicts as well as terrorism have emerged as the threats to security and
counterterrorism measures and infrastructure development will be key in ensuring security in the
region. Reinvigorating communities through purposive partnerships with them and their local
elite is essential if we are to deter crime and create more vital neighborhoods. A foundation of
trust will allow security agencies to form close relationships with the community that will
produce solid achievements.
The cross border region where Turkana North is found is a violent region where habits of
security and peaceful coexistence are few. The conflicts are many and complex, the causes of
conflicts are multifaceted, the conflict issues are remarkably diverse and all these are
compounded by diverse cultural, ethnic and historical differences and stereotypes that are
difficult to transform and overcome.
Armed and violent conflicts have been part of the contemporary history of Africa. A key
distinctive feature of trans-boundary pastoral areas such as Turkana North is that; continuing
violence seems to be countering positive efforts of conflict mitigation by various peace building
actors and deployments by various security apparatus, making the region to oscillate between
alternate periods of calm ('peace') and violent conflict.
The insecurity situation obtaining in the 'Turkana North triangle' has not been acquiescent and
amenable to various security arrangements and solutions by security teams and national
government. In fact, the deployed security measures are more at disparity with the obtaining
security realities than they coincide.
Description
A thesis presented to the College of Humanities and Social
Sciences in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements
for the Award of the Degree of Masters of Arts in
International Relations and Diplomacy security
Studies Option of Kampala International University.
Keywords
Multiple Actors, Security Dilemma, Kenya