CONTEXTUALISING IMPLICATIONS OF TRANSITION OF KENYAN CONTINGENT IN AFRICAN UNION MISSION IN SOMALIA ON KENYA’S NATIONAL SECURITY

Abstract

This study sought to contextualise the transition implications of the Kenyan Contingent in the African Mission in Somalia on Kenya's National Security. Peace support operations portend challenges to, as well as opportunities for, national security objectives. Statist national security perception tends to overlook the broader context in which states exist, strategise and function, including peace support operations in immediate neighbouring states, which influence national security. A dearth of studies examine the implications of peace support operations transition to a State's national security. The specific objectives of the study were to: assess African Union Mission in Somalia transition strategies affecting Kenya's National security, examine the impact on Kenya's National security from the Transition of the Kenyan Contingent in the African Union Mission in Somalia, and explore challenges and opportunities for Kenya's National security from the transition of Kenyan Contingent in African Union Mission in Somalia. Neo-functionalism theory, Strategic theory and securitisation theory underpinned the study. The study used a descriptive survey research design entailing mixed methods approach. The study was conducted in Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Lamu counties and Jubaland in Somalia. The target population was 3,340 comprising Security Personnel, County officials, NPS officials, KRA officials, Immigration Officials and community elders. The study used cluster and purposive sampling to select respondents and key informants. A sample of 400 respondents and 49 key informants were selected for the study. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews guides and analysed using SPSS for quantitative data and thematically for qualitative data. The results were presented using descriptive statistics such as percentages, charts, graphs, frequency distribution, and thematic analysis of the excerpts. The study was justified academically owing to the dearth of research on the topic and as a basis for further research. Regarding policy justification, the study informed the process of formulation of the transition strategy, revision of key national security policy documents and multilateral PSO engagement. The study contributed to the rational realist philosophy requiring rational consideration of external and internal factors in advancing national security objectives. The study established that although AMISOM was generally successful, it failed to achieve adequately security and governance mandate objectives critical to creating suitable conditions for Somalia's long-term stability and development. Thus, the AMISOM transition portended negative security implications to Kenya's National Security, affecting border Counties, viz territorial claims, Al Shabaab terrorism, armed incursions, contraband smuggling, and diplomatic misunderstanding. The study established that the opportunities for National Security include shaping and influencing STP, strengthening buffer zone, improving the socio-economic development of border Counties, and comprehensive border security measures. Inter alia, the study found that the challenges to Kenya's National security include the Al Shabaab resurgence, the spread of terror groups such as ISIS, violations of territorial integrity, and economic sabotage. Overall, the study concluded that the ways, means and ends of the AMISOM transition were not adequately aligned, thereby limiting the creation of a conducive environment for Somalia's long-term stability and development; thus posing a threat to Kenya's National Security. The study recommends a review of STP to factor security forces of federal member states, enhance SSF capacity, sufficient transition timelines, securitisation of national security effects, and mitigation of national security challenges and seizing of the opportunities to enhance Kenya's national security.