Refugees and National Security in Kenya: A Case Study of Eastleigh, Kamukunji Constituency, Nairobi County

Abstract

Purpose: This study is about refugees and national security in Kenya: Case Study of Eastleigh, Kamukunji Constituency, Nairobi County. The research examined whether refugees are a threat to national security, evaluated the relationship between refugees and terror activities and examined whether the Kenya's open-door policy on refugees is a threat to national security. This research was guided by conceptual framework on what national security is and threats to national security, as well as refugees and the security threats they pose to Kenya. Push and Pull Theory and Securitization Theory further guided the research.

Methodology: The study was conducted using Mixed Methods research design that incorporated both qualitative and quantitative approaches in data collection, data analysis and interpretation of the findings. The research instruments for data collection were questionnaire and one on one interviews with refugees and relevant key stakeholders such as UNHCR, Danish Refugee Council, and Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government. Secondary data was obtained from books, published scholarly materials, internet publications, field research report, theses, journals, government reports, newsletters, and newspapers.

Findings: The respondents indicated that there was a relationship between refugees and terror activities in Kenya. Majority of the respondents indicated that policies and laws were the best approaches in dealing with refugees related insecurity, thus effective policies, laws, and best approaches are required to stem the high levels of insecurity. Encampment policy did not provide sustainable solution, majority of the respondents indicated that non-refoulement refugee policies and laws, refugee settlements, local integration, voluntary repatriation was a strategy and durable solutions in dealing with refugees and insecurity, while other respondents proposed expulsion of refugees involved in criminal activities and screening of refugees for security threats, as the best approaches in dealing with refugees related insecurity. Measures against errant refugees and regulation of border entries to prevent illegal and criminal immigrants was also proposed.

Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: This research recommends that United Nations, World Bank, and IMF should facilitate peace keeping missions and strengthen the government institutions in countering displacements, with emphasis on resettlement and integration of refugees especially those who cannot return to their country of nationality. Approaches that foster peace and security, such as Nyumba Kumi initiatives led by the security agencies like Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, should continue to bring refugees, host community, development partners in both NGO and public sector and other stakeholders on board.