Influence of the Amnesty Program for Terrorists’ Returnees on National Security: A Case Study of Mombasa County

The amnesty program was initiated in 2015 by the Kenyan government as a tool for combating terrorism. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to assess the influence of the amnesty program for terrorists’ returnees on national security in Mombasa County. Specifically, the study aims: to assess the demobilization of terrorists’ returnees and its influence on national security; to evaluate the influence of the reintegration of terrorists’ returnees on national security; to investigate the impact of the community’s perception of the amnesty program for terrorists’ returnees on national security. This study was anchored on the systems theory and the social contract theory. This study employed a case study research design. The study targeted the community members from three constituencies in Mombasa County, namely Kisauni, Likoni, and Mvita. The study targeted staff members from the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC). For this study, stratified random sampling and purposive sampling were employed. The study purposively selected a sample of 37 respondents. An interview guide and focus group discussions were employed in collecting primary data. A qualitative approach to data analysis was adopted for the study. The study findings were presented in narrative form. Based on the findings the study established that the Amnesty Program for returnees in Mombasa County has not been effective in demobilizing the terrorist returnees. This is due to the fears that they have in enrolling in the program. The returnees and their families do not believe that the government is sincere in giving them Amnesty. The findings revealed that the reintegration of the returnees has been difficult since not all of these individuals are properly equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to survive in the society, hence end up relapsing and causing more harm to the society. The implementation of the amnesty program has failed in incorporating the community members who at times find themselves villainized for their association or relationship with the terrorist returnees. The study recommends that; the program adopt a bottom-up approach, where the community is at the core of the program. Further, the study recommends that the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) should develop a clear policy and legal framework for the Amnesty Program.