Policies and strategies in Kenya’s response to the war on terror: a critical evaluation

Abstract

This study is a critical evaluation of policies and strategies used in Kenya in response to war on terror. The study was guided by several objectives; a) Examine the policy and strategy making b) Evaluate the strategies and policies on the war on terror in Kenya c) Assess critically the strategies and policies used in war on terror. The study was guided by systems theory, that all things and events known to man are connected to and interface with one another. An event happening today is influenced from certain occasions previously and similarly, a few occasions that will occur later on will be influenced from the occasions of today. The study used a qualitative research design. A case study approach focusing responses on war against terror in Kenya was used. Qualitative data was obtained from use of surveys and key informant interviews. The target population was government agencies such as National Intelligence Service (NIS), Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU), National Police Service and Ministry of Interior and Defense. The study employed purposive sampling to identify respondents to participate in the study. The study used both primary and secondary data. Content analysis method were used in analyzing qualitative data. It was established that the three important strategies in the war on terror are defense policy, foreign policy and economic policy. The strategies included military, diplomatic and economic strategy. It was noted that Kenya relied heavily on both defense policies and military strategies. The military policy is not independent is mandated by the defense policy. The foreign policy is implemented through a diplomatic strategy. The study concludes that the Kenyan government, through the parliamentarians should make bills that recommend on the best policies and strategies to incorporate to reduce terror attacks in the country.