Resource Distribution and Security in Kenya: A Case Study of North Eastern Kenya

This thesis researched the links between resource distribution, and the state of security in North Eastern Kenya. The study aimed to determine if indeed such links existed, and when they did, to check how they manifested themselves and affected residents of the region. The study explored prior and current government initiatives that have aimed to remedy inequality in resource distribution.

The study identified instances of historical injustices aiming to establish existing perceptions of the government by the residents of North Eastern Kenya. Such perceptions were seen to create uncomfortable relationships between citizens and the government in the region. This strained relationship was seen especially as several residents continue to refer to themselves as non-Kenyans.

This research was conducted over a period of 5 months where the researcher reviewed information from various sources on the subject, guided by key research questions investigating the issues. The content was secondary data, and it gave good insight on the historical manifestations of the issues around the people and the government. Media reports from reputable media outlets were also used for study. Data was analyzed through content analysis which generated information through conceptual analysis from which several conclusions could be derived, and described further along.

During the time the study was conducted, several attacks were carried out in Kenya by Al Shabaab. For this reason, North Eastern Kenya was quite insecure, and it was not possible for the researcher to visit the area for more research. However, there was a good amount of content available for study.

The study found that indeed, there are links between resource distribution and security issues in North Eastern Kenya. The key issue being that, due to continued marginalization of the area, the area has not developed good security infrastructure. The residents also do not collaborate with the authorities in the area, since they do not trust the government due to historical and continuing injustices.

The study recommends that a survey is conducted in the region to listen o the views of the locals about insecurity and terrorism. Including the views of locals will aid in capturing hearts and minds and ensure that key terror suspects are rooted out with the help of the community. Community policing is another recommendation made by the study so that local authority figures are involved in decision making.