Border Security Operational Dynamics and Covid-19 Pandemic at Immigration Department, Malaba Border, Kenya: Focus On 2020- 2022

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed gaps in border security operations, with limited research on how these affected immigration departments’ response and preparedness between 2020–2022. This study sought to determine the impact of covid-19 pandemic on border security operations at Malaba border, Kenya and specifically examine the how physical security measures and protocols were altered in response to the COVID19

pandemic by immigration department, effects of security operations changes in response to Covid-19 pandemic by immigration department, the challenges in enforcing Covid-19 pandemic control measures at immigration department and the efficacy of legal and border security policy framework on Covid-19 pandemic containment by immigration department at Malaba border, Kenya for the period 2020-2022. The study was guided by the securitization theory and the theory of participation. The study adopted a retrospective research design and targeted the 208 border security officers/ staff members, national police service and border control department staff in Kenya. Purposive sampling was used to select a total of 137 participants, sampled using Yamane formula. The study interviewed the heads of all the 3 organizations targeted, to supplement the information obtained from the participants. The study used a questionnaire and key informant guide as tools of data collections. In order to show the quantitative data in the form of tables and graphs depending on the main research topics, descriptive statistics like frequency and percentages were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 27). Thematic analysis was employed to examine the qualitative data, which was presented based on the study variables. Research ethics guidelines were upheld. The study found that over 90% of respondents supported the new security framework at the Malaba border, which included thermal screening, touch-free solutions and enhanced cleaning practices. While these measures helped reduce infection risks and unauthorized entry, they also led to processing delays and resource exhaustion, with 89.5% of employers reporting labour shortages. The implementation of COVID-19 protocols faced challenges due to insufficient medical resources, long queues and poor internal coordination between agencies, compounded by noncompliance from travellers. Despite 97.6% of respondents confirming the existence of reporting systems, coordination issues reduced their effectiveness. The study concluded that Malaba border immigration department adapted to COVID-19 with enhanced screening and PPE use, but outdated infrastructure and resource constraints limited effectiveness, highlighting the need for modern security upgrades and better resource planning. The study recommends stronger enforcement mechanisms and regional coordination for future crises. The Malaba border immigration department should invest in advanced screening technologies, modernized facilities and consistent PPE supplies to enhance efficiency and safety.