CONTRIBUTION OF TRACK ONE DIPLOMACY IN COMBATING BANDIT ECONOMY ALONG KENYA-UGANDA BORDER

Abstract

The bandit economy is a cross-border and transnational issue affecting regional security that has prevailed due to miscues in the employment of Track One Diplomacy by government agencies. Despite the supranational approach employed by Kenya and Uganda in adopting modern state-of-the-art virtual technology for aerial monitoring of banditry, the bandit economy has continued unabated. The overall objective of this study was to investigate the Contribution of Track One Diplomacy in combating the bandit economy along the Kenya-Uganda Border. Specific objectives of the study were to: Examine the nature of Bandit Economy along Kenya-Uganda border; Assess the Track one Diplomatic strategies for Combating Banditry along the Kenya-Uganda border and evaluate the challenges and opportunities of track one diplomacy in managing the bandit economy along the Kenya-Uganda border. The study was anchored on a conceptual framework underpinned by two theories namely; Power Theory and Illegal Enterprise Theory. The Study was conducted in Lokitanyala along the Kenya-Uganda border. The study utilized descriptive research design. The study used both probability and non probability sampling techniques. The sample size of the study was 384, comprising Lokitanyala households, while key informants were drawn from political and religious leaders, administrative leaders, youths (former bandits) and civil society. Both primary and secondary data were used in this study. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules, FGDs and observation. Quantitative Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25 to generate descriptive statistics inform of frequencies and Percentages, bar graphs, tables and pie-charts. The findings of the study revealed that the bandit economy thrived through livestock trade as supported by 53.69% of the respondents, this included cattle, camels, goats, and sheep that were commonly traded along the border. Lorries or Long trucks were the commonest means of transport aiding bandit economy, 38.91% argued that bribery of officials was a common tactic that aided movement goods across the border 31.19% stated that traditional customary practices were a major factor motivating individuals to participate in bandit economy. Regarding Track one diplomatic strategies, the study found that 22.82% stated that cross-border community engagement reduces support for bandit economic activities along the border. On the challenges facing Track one diplomacy, 19.61% of the total respondents reasoned that non-involvement of local leadership was a challenge. The overall conclusion of the study was that despite the implementation of Track One Diplomacy strategies, including bilateral agreements and high-level negotiations, the bandit economy along the Kenya-Uganda border has persisted unabated. The ongoing volatility, government negligence, and insufficient investment in infrastructure and security have undermined these diplomatic efforts. The resilience of the bandit economy highlights the urgent need for a more robust and multifaceted approach, incorporating both diplomatic and operational enhancements. Strengthening on-the-ground security measures, investing in regional development, and fostering deeper cross-border cooperation are crucial to effectively combat the bandit economy and ensure lasting stability in these volatile regions.