ETHNICAL CONFLICT AND NATIONAL SECURITY A CRITICAL LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Purpose: Ethnic conflict and national security are topics of great concern to policy makers. Kenya, like many states in the world is multi-ethnic and ethnic groups in such states are mobilized by political elites in order to take up political control and the governance of a country as a way of ensuring control of state resources for the benefit of the ethnic group. The general objectives of the study are to examine the historical background, actors and issues in ethnic conflict in Kenya. To investigate Kenya’s national security challenges and concerns and its effects on national security in Kenya.

Methodology: The paper used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes and to extract knowledge gaps.

Conclusion: As this study has shown, Kenya has a long way to go to realize an acceptable standard of living for most of its people. Its present and future crop of leaders is faced with formidable challenges that call for exceptional and extraordinary leadership based on solid character. This study is a humble contribution towards the recognition of the needs of the country as Kenya stands at the threshold of the 21^st century characterized by globalization and other challenges.

Recommendation: The study focuses on the politicization of ethnicity by individual politicians or individual party members. As such, it does not analyze party politics. Therefore, it recommends an exclusive study of ethnic politics within and between political parties in the struggle for party positions and state power in Kenya respectively