Rethinking Strategic Security: Juxtaposing Kenya’s Participation in Regional Security with Stability in The Horn of Africa Region
- July 7, 2021
- Posted by: rsispostadmin
- Categories: IJRISS, Social Science
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue VI, June 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186
Abel Holla
Chuka University, Kenya
Abstract: As the region’s leading influence, Kenya is among the few African countries that have enjoyed relative peace since independence. Kenya’s pivotal role in the greater Horn of Africa has been instrumental in improving regional security. The nation’s influence in the areas of intelligence, counterterrorism, and personal protection has immensely contributed to the war on terror through progressive defeat of prominent extremist organizations and terror groups such as the Al-Shabaab. Moreover, Kenya is the leading hub for technological advancement and innovation within the East Africa region, with a vibrant and progressive economy. With its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Kenya has gained enviable status among nations as an instrumental country in world politics and peace making. This status has increased the country’s position as one that can influence the geopolitics and security situation in greater Horn of Africa region. Thus, Kenya’s capacity to influence and enforce stability in the Horn of Africa has exponentially increased through the years. This article will examine Kenya’s contribution to peace and stability in the Horn of Africa region.
I. INTRODUCTION
The Horn of Africa describes a group of countries that share common borders on the easternmost tip of the continent, namely: Kenya, Somalia, Djibouti, Eritrea and, to some extent, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Sudan. However, it is the formative four countries that are generally regarded as the Horn of Africa (Cardoso, 2016). From the 1960s, the region has had at least one country in the internal war brought about by coups, revolutions or liberation struggles characterized by guerrilla warfare. Nonetheless, there is a steady and progressive departure from the negativity that characterized the region in the past. Djibouti has embraced democracy, and elections are regular and moderately free and fair. This democracy has given rise to Djibouti’s economic progress, with its port contributing to income generation and solid economic outlook. On the other hand, Somalia started with a transitional federal system of governance that saw relative stability in the country since the 1990s (Heally, 2011). This stability has recently translated to democratic elections and the formation of the first democratically elected government in more than 30years. Eritrea has also improved its governance issues. However, the nation still grapples with several challenges that threaten it democracy.
