| dc.description.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. | en_US |
