The effect of counterterrorism on domestic security: a study of Kenya’s military operation in Somalia

Abstract

Globally, regionally and nationally states have used counterterrorism to end terrorism and enhance domestic security. Whereas some studies contend that counterterrorism ends or decreases terrorism, others argue it invites retaliations thus an upsurge in terrorism. Despite the debate, on 16th October 2011, Kenya launched “Operation Linda Nchi”, a preemptive military operation in Somalia to end Al Shabaab and bolster its domestic security. In June 2012 it terminated the operation and re-hated its troops into AMISOM. Against that background this study sought to investigate the effect of counterterrorism on terrorists and domestic security by examining how the operation affected Kenya’s domestic security. Specific objectives were to: determine the frequency of terror events; determine the costs of terror events; and assess Kenya’s vulnerability to terrorism since the operation was launched. Descriptive and interpretative design was adopted to draw insights on the contribution of counterterrorism on domestic security. Data was obtained from unclassified government documents; books, news reports, journal articles, theses, and institutional reports and key informant interviews.