| dc.description.abstract | Terrorist organizations, particularly Al-Shabaab, have frequently targeted Mandera North SubCounty. Additionally, inter-clan conflicts, primarily involving the Garre, Murule, and Degodia
clans, have exacerbated insecurity in the region, further complicating counterterrorism efforts. The
purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of inter-clan conflicts on Kenya’s
counterterrorism efforts in North-Eastern Kenya, with a specific focus on Mandera North SubCounty. The study was guided by three objectives: to analyze the nature of inter-clan conflicts in
Mandera North Sub-County, to assess the influence of clan dynamics on counterterrorism efforts,
and to evaluate the extent to which inter-clan conflicts contribute to community vulnerability to
radicalization. The study was anchored on Social Identity Theory, Conflict Transformation
Theory, and Deterrence Theory. A descriptive research design was adopted, targeting 143,850
individuals residing in Mandera North Sub-County. Using stratified and simple random sampling,
a sample of 383 respondents was selected, comprising community members, local elders, area
chiefs, religious leaders, and security officers. Data was collected using semi-structured
questionnaires and interviews, with quantitative data analyzed using descriptive statistics, while
qualitative data was subjected to thematic analysis. Findings revealed that inter-clan conflicts in
Mandera North Sub-County are primarily driven by competition over resources, political rivalries,
and historical grievances. The study established that clan dynamics influence counterterrorism
efforts by shaping intelligence-sharing, trust in security agencies, and the willingness of
community members to cooperate with authorities. Additionally, the findings indicated that interclan conflicts create an enabling environment for radicalization by fostering resentment,
marginalization, and instability, which extremist groups exploit to recruit vulnerable individuals.
The study concludes that inter-clan conflicts significantly hinder counterterrorism efforts by
weakening social cohesion, fostering distrust in government institutions, and facilitating
radicalization. Based on these findings, the study recommends strengthening community-based
conflict resolution mechanisms, enhancing trust between security agencies and local communities,
and integrating counterterrorism efforts with broader peacebuilding initiatives. Policymakers
should also focus on equitable resource distribution, legislative support for hybrid justice systems,
and structured de-radicalization programs. The study contributes to the discourse on
counterterrorism and conflict resolution in Kenya, offering insights that can inform policy and
practice. Future research should explore the role of women in peacebuilding, the effectiveness of
community-driven intelligence, and the impact of climate change on inter-clan conflicts. | en_US |
