Influence of illegal small arms and light weapons proliferation on internal security in Kayole sub county, Nairobi city county

Abstract

Africa has suffered insecurity for an extensive period mainly because of the proliferation of SALW. Internal factors along with external environment have contributed to these firearms allied problems experienced by many countries today. The research sought to examine the influence of SALW proliferation on internal security in Kayole Sub County, Nairobi County, Kenya. The study specifically sought to identify the factors facilitating the proliferation of SALW in Kayole Sub County; to examine insecurities experienced by residents of Kayole based on the usage of SALW; to assess the effectiveness of government adopted strategies to control proliferation of SALW in Kayole Sub County. The study was guided by Frustration-Aggression theory and the securitization theory. The study adopted a descriptive survey design to assists the researcher to produce statistical information on the research objectives. Target population was 374 which comprised of National Police Service, judiciary, department of public prosecution, citizen representatives, and civil society groups operating in the area. The study adopted stratified random sampling, Simple random sampling and Purposive sampling methods were used to obtain sample size and identify different groups of respondents for the study. A sample size of 193 respondents was utilized in data gathering process. Data collected was analyzed quantitatively with the help of the statistical package for social sciences version 25. Quantitative data collected in the study was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Correlation examination and regression examination was as well be applied to reveal the relationship between dependent and independent variables analyzed. The research findings indicated that there was a positive relationship (R= 0.752) between the variables. The study also revealed that 75.2% of insecurity in Kayole Sub-County could be explained by illegal small arms and light weapon proliferation. The study concludes that the factors facilitating proliferation of illegal SALW, nature of insecurities experienced and effectiveness of government adopted strategies have a positive and significant effect on internal security. The study recommends that security systems should endeavor in establishing ways of mitigating the factors facilitating the proliferation of illegal SALW, and develop policies which can offer long term solutions such as effective job creation policies, poverty eradication policies, increased cost and controlled licensing for SALW handlers and strong judicial regulations on the offenders found guilty of the possession and use of SALW by eradicating corruption loopholes which hinders effective administration of justice. Since insecurities experienced in Kayole-Sub-County were linked to the proliferation of SALW, all the security stakeholders need to be tasked with the responsibility of controlling the proliferation of SALW through reporting of the neglected crimes to the authorities and lastly policing unit should be created to conduct a securer SALW stockpile management, Creating SALW awareness programs, and Creating SALW destruction programs among other controlling practices. This can be achieved through creating job opportunities for the massive unemployed youths, effectively prosecute corrupt individuals and establish a conducive political environment which will facilitate effective control of SALW.