Assessment of border management policies on national security in Nairobi County , Kenya

Abstract

The border management policies advocate for the need of all stakeholders in the border management to be involved to increase the efficiency of border management. The study assessed the contributions of border management policies on national security in Kenya. Specifically, the study established the level of awareness of the existing border management policies in Kenya among the employees in the border management committee. The study also assessed the effectiveness of the utilization of border management policies in promoting national security. Moreover, the study examined the challenges hindering the effectiveness of border management policies on national security. The theories that underpinned the study include the international theory of international relations, and Statism theory. A survey research design was adopted in the study. The target population comprised of various stakeholders such as the border management committee in the Jomo Kenyatta and Wilson Airports. These included Kenya Ports Authority (30), Kenya Bureau of Standards (20), Immigration Department (60), National Police Service (140), Kenya Airports Authority (60), Kenya Revenue Authority -customs and border control department (30), Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (30) and National Youth Service (60). From these stakeholders, a sample of two hundred and seven (n=207) respondents was selected using Yamane’s formula. Simple random sampling technique was used to arrive at the sample size. Questionnaire was key instrument of data collection. The study used qualitative data analysis to provide insights and understanding of the field while quantitative data analysis was used to generalize these insights. In summarizing the data into frequencies and percentages, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 21) was also used. Tables, figures and pie charts were used in presenting the data. Qualitative analysis was used to analysis the open-ended questions and presented within the quantitative data. The following key findings were made: there were clear border management policies established (60%). Most of the agencies involved in border management (85%) did not have up to date training on handling various security threats that may be experienced at the border points. Corruption cases also posed a challenge to the proper implementation of border management policies in the country (86.3%). Border management challenges posed a threat to national security to some extent. Border management policies had a positive significant relationship with national security. The study recommended that more awareness should be emphasized on the policies to create its awareness among the relevant stakeholders who are involved in implementing it. Policy reforms should be done to ensure that they fully promote the integration of information communication technology in border management practices. There is also a need for further studies to be carried out to examine factors affecting stakeholder coordination in the border management systems in Kenya and the role of ICT in border management and national security in Kenya.