Kenya occupies a strategic position in East Africa, focal in regional stability, and contributes to global security efforts, including counterterrorism. Its security institutions play integral parts in human secu-rity and development. Ethnic based violence stringing from political interests coupled with post elec-toral uncertainty has greatly impacted Kenya’s national security. This is equally evident at the present times, where anti-governmental youth led protests that began peaceful protests but turned violent. Demonstrators dubbed ‘GenZ’ clashed with Police from 25th June 2024, in the majority of the coun-ties (37 out of 47) leading to loss of lives and property. They expressed their dissatisfaction with the priorly proposed Finance Bill 2024 calling on legislators not to approve a new round of punitive tax measures and other fiscal proposals being recommended by the Government in the bill. Those fac-tors are not the only ones that cause domestical tension in Kenya. Further Al-Shabaab is an incum-bent threat to Kenya’s internal security coupled with the refugee burden at Dadaab Camp and the borders of Northeastern Kenya and Somalia.
Looking at the international landscape, Kenya’s maritime security is crucial due to its dependence on international trade, particularly through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. Recognizing the threat posed by Somali piracy, Kenya has bolstered its maritime security through international collabora-tion, including participation in the US-led "Prosperity Guardian" operation after Djibouti declined co-operation. This participation underscores Kenya’s strategic importance and its alignment with the US in securing critical trade routes. Kenya has modernized its navy and developed a national maritime security strategy, incorporating multilateral cooperation to protect its economic interests and re-gional stability. Kenya's involvement in Sudan and South Sudan reflects a multifaceted strategy aimed at securing regional stability, economic interests, and political influence. Kenya has actively partici-pated in peace processes and peacekeeping missions, including the Comprehensive Peace Agree-ment (CPA) and UNMISS, to prevent conflict spillover and maintain stability. Economically, Kenya is invested in infrastructure and resource extraction in South Sudan, enhancing regional trade routes like the LAPSSET Corridor. Security engagements are aligned with political and economic goals, ensur-ing stability and safeguarding trade, thereby solidifying Kenya's leadership in East Africa.
Looking at the international landscape, Kenya’s maritime security is crucial due to its dependence on international trade, particularly through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. Recognizing the threat posed by Somali piracy, Kenya has bolstered its maritime security through international collabora-tion, including participation in the US-led "Prosperity Guardian" operation after Djibouti declined co-operation. This participation underscores Kenya’s strategic importance and its alignment with the US in securing critical trade routes. Kenya has modernized its navy and developed a national maritime security strategy, incorporating multilateral cooperation to protect its economic interests and re-gional stability. Kenya's involvement in Sudan and South Sudan reflects a multifaceted strategy aimed at securing regional stability, economic interests, and political influence. Kenya has actively partici-pated in peace processes and peacekeeping missions, including the Comprehensive Peace Agree-ment (CPA) and UNMISS, to prevent conflict spillover and maintain stability. Economically, Kenya is invested in infrastructure and resource extraction in South Sudan, enhancing regional trade routes like the LAPSSET Corridor. Security engagements are aligned with political and economic goals, ensur-ing stability and safeguarding trade, thereby solidifying Kenya's leadership in East Africa.
