Multi-agency approach to counter terrorism: a case study of operation Linda Nchi against Al-Shabaab in Boni forest in Lamu East Constituency, Lamu County, Kenya

Abstract

The global worry and concern over the threat of terrorism on the scale physical obliteration and ruins, deaths, sorrow and anguish to humanity, economic losses and devastations, insecurity and the general challenges on the landscape of the social order in the society; cannot be accentuated. Since the wake of 1998 when simultaneous bombs blew up in front of the American embassies in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; terrorism-related activities have been in the rise in Kenya and has cut across social, cultural, economic and political lens of the society. Today, countries are moving away from independent policing units towards developing synergy among the security actors to leverage on the strengths of each in order to attain the capability required to combat insecurity and terrorism, hence the birth of multi-agency approach. Multi-Agency approach has significantly strengthened the fight against terrorism in Kenya, by making every effort to secure the country. The main aim for this study was to assess the effectiveness of multi-agency approach in counter terrorism with the main focus on operation against terrorism in Boni Forest in Lamu East Constituency in Lamu County, Kenya. The study intended to determine the factors that led to the adoption of the multi-agency approach in the fight against terrorism in Boni Forest in Lamu East Constituency, to evaluate the counter terrorism strategies being adopted in the multi-agency approach in the fight against terrorism in Boni Forest in Lamu East Constituency, to assess the achievements of the multi-agency approach in the fight against terrorism in Boni Forest in Lamu East Constituency, and to identify the challenges the challenges faced by the multi-agency approach to the fight against terrorism in Boni Forest in Lamu East Constituency in Lamu County, Kenya. The study was anchored on post-structuralist theory of peace building. This study assumed descriptive design. The study location was Boni Forest Lamu East Constituency in Lamu County, Kenya. The target population was representatives Kenya Defense Forces, Kenya Police Service, National Intelligence Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, the county government officials, community leaders, and the area residents. The study adopted purposive and judgmental sampling techniques. Primary data was collected using questionnaires. Data analysis was achieved by simple descriptive and inferential statistics. It was established that multi-agency approach was adopted due to the need to access and share real-time information, desire to have a joint training, and the need for maximization the utility of the available resources. The study established that the strategies include incorporating international efforts, coordinating, controlling and managing the real time information flow by the help of using modern technologies, building resilience through preventive, detection, denying and responding to terrorist acts. The team carries joint training and have a well-coordinated leadership, command and control.it was further established that the team has restored normalcy in many parts of the area, conducted many arrests and prosecutions. Free medical services to the residents, and drilling bore holes to provide water to the local residents. The team has been facing challenges such as numerous instances of IED attacks, the terrorists constantly shifting their strategies and tactics, while adopting latest technologies, and they are more dispersed and less centralized. The study recommends that real time information should flow seamlessly and should be well protected. The study also recommends that the team should adopt latest technologies in their operations. More deradicalization to be conducted More resources to be invested into the operation. The study suggests that a similarly, a study can be conducted to assess the challenges faced in combating terrorism in Kenya, a case study of Garissa County.