INFLUENCE OF SMALL ARMS AND LIGHT WEAPONS PROLIFERATION CONTROL ON HUMAN SECURITY AMONG THE RENDILLE COMMUNITY OF MARSABIT COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Globally, millions of small arms and light weapons continue to be proliferated despite international community ratifying measures as well as domestic legislations to contain the menace. This study sought to interrogate the influence of small arms and light weapons proliferation control on human security among the Rendille community of Marsabit County, Kenya. The objectives of the study were; to interrogate the factors that contribute to the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, to assess the implication of small arms and light weapons possession on human security and, to determine the approaches to control proliferation of small arms and light weapons among the Rendille community in Marsabit County. While filling existing intellectual gap and field related challenges on small arms proliferation and human security, the study will inform policy making process on small arms related challenges in Kenya. Open system theory and Relative deprivation theory were adopted to guide the study. Descriptive survey research design was used and the target population was 477 individuals, from which a sample size of 150 respondents participated in the study. Questionnaires, interview schedules and Focus Group Discussions were used in collection of primary data. Convergent parallel mixed method of data analysis was used and research ethical considerations adhered to. The findings indicated that the major factors contributing to proliferation of small arms and light weapons included the readiness for revenge attacks, conflict over resources, boundary disputes, cattle rustling, inter-ethnic conflicts, and political differences among the various ethnic groups living in the County. Secondly, with prevalent crimes such as highway banditry, cattle rustling, inter-community attacks and electoral violence associated with use of small arms and light weapons, food security, community and personal security, environmental security, health security and economic security had been negatively affected. The study also noted that sensitization and community policing, arrest and prosecution of illegal holders of firearms, amnesty, proper border control mechanisms, disarmament and registration of all illegal firearms holderswere cited as strategies to control proliferation of small arms and light weapons. Based on these findings, it was concluded that widespread proliferation of small arms have indeed affected the various aspects of human security in the study area and thus the need to mitigate the problem. The researcher recommended that government should recruit, equip and deploy adequate security personnel to Marsabit County to provide requisite security and secure the porous borders from arms traffic flow. With the help of the County Government of Marsabit, national government can identify development projects that provide an alternative source of income to the pastoralist communities. Further research was recommended on the implication of primordial social linkages among the trans border communities in proliferation of small arms and light weapons