Politics Of Terrorism In Africa: A Case Study Of Kenya

Abstract

ABSTRACT Terrorism is a premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by sub-national groups or clandestine agents (U S code 2656f, Tittle 22 chapter 38). The ever existence of these groups, their involvement in the nation’s domestic and external politics as well as actors is something researchable. This research project, Politics of terrorism in Africa: case study of Kenya focused to meeting its main objective of examining the relationship between state’s politics and/or with terrorism as well as its specific objectives of determining the causes of the rise of terrorism in Africa, assessing the reasons for the success of terrorist attacks in Africa and determining appropriate strategies for preventing and controlling terrorism in Africa. The research project reviewed past literature on politics of terrorism in Africa and used a theoretical framework for analysis. The data collection instrument preferred for the study was questionnaire and interview as they were both cost effective. The study targeted a population of 100 respondents. The population under study was residents within various regions in Kenya, security services including the intelligence service and the police, diplomatic agents and other government officials as well as religious leaders. The data was analyzed using Microsoft excel and the study findings recorded. The call for the establishment of a new, more reflexive critical terrorism studies (CTS) is a deliberate attempt to try and overcome some of the problems that have been noted about the broader field of studies of politics of terrorism. The study recommended the importance of African states to review their terrorism laws through legislation and the judiciary as well as develop more effective policies on migration of citizens and foreigners in and outside the country.