Journals / Siyasal Bilgiler Fakültesi Dergisi / 2026 / Cilt: 10 Sayı: 1

KENYA'S FIGHT AGAINST GLOBAL TERRORISM IN THE CONTEXT OF CRITICAL THEORY: THE CASE OF AL-SHABAAB

ELEŞTİREL TEORİ BAĞLAMINDA KENYA’NIN KÜRESEL TERÖRLE MÜCADELESİ: EŞ-ŞEBAB ÖRNEĞİ

Duygu Kutlu(İSTANBUL MEDENİYET ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0009-0000-0412-3460
Pages
1–25
Publication Date
2025-06-29
DOI
—
🏛️Bibliographic metadata and full text access for this article are provided via DergiPark.
DergiPark Record ↗
✨

AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

The research indicates that Kenya's counter-terrorism framework necessitates a transition to human rights-oriented policies, socio-economic initiatives, and community involvement to attain enduring security.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:Kenya's counter-terrorism strategies have progressively depended on securitization and militarism, prompting apprehensions regarding their efficacy and implications for governance, human rights, and societal cohesion.
📊
Key Findings & Data:The study, through the analysis of policy papers, official reports, and human rights evaluations, reveals that Kenya's securitized strategy disproportionately affects Muslim communities and Somali refugees, thereby consolidating state authority and exacerbating societal tensions.
💡
Conclusion & Impact:The research indicates that Kenya's counter-terrorism framework necessitates a transition to human rights-oriented policies, socio-economic initiatives, and community involvement to attain enduring security.
🔬Design:Araştırma Makalesi
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:terörle mücadele · güvenlikleştirme · Eleştirel Söylem Analizi

Abstract

Kenya's counter-terrorism strategies have progressively depended on securitization and militarism, prompting apprehensions regarding their efficacy and implications for governance, human rights, and societal cohesion. This study utilizes Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), Critical Theory, and Securitization Theory to investigate how counter-terrorism discourse legitimizes oppressive security measures while sidelining alternative, community-based methods. The study, through the analysis of policy papers, official reports, and human rights evaluations, reveals that Kenya's securitized strategy disproportionately affects Muslim communities and Somali refugees, thereby consolidating state authority and exacerbating societal tensions. Notwithstanding governmental assertions of success, military-led counter-terrorism initiatives have not eradicated Al Shabaab’s violent acts, and in several instances, have intensified radicalization. The findings enhance existing literature by emphasizing the importance of rhetoric in legitimizing counter-terrorism strategies and perpetuating systemic disparities. The research indicates that Kenya's counter-terrorism framework necessitates a transition to human rights-oriented policies, socio-economic initiatives, and community involvement to attain enduring security.

Özet

Kenya'nın terörle mücadele stratejileri büyük oranda güvenlikleştirme ve militarizme dayanmış, bu da stratejilerin etkinliği ve yönetişim, insan hakları ve toplumsal uyum üzerindeki etkileri konusunda endişelere neden olmuştur. Bu çalışmada Eleştirel Söylem Analizi (CDA), Eleştirel Teori ve Güvenlikleştirme Teorisi kullanılarak terörle mücadele söyleminin baskıcı güvenlik önlemlerini meşrulaştırırken alternatif, toplum temelli yöntemleri nasıl bir kenara ittiği araştırılmaktadır. Çalışma, politika belgeleri, resmi raporlar ve insan hakları değerlendirmelerinin analizi yoluyla, Kenya'nın güvenlikleştirme stratejisinin Müslüman toplulukları ve Somalili mültecileri orantısız bir şekilde etkilediğini, böylece devlet otoritesini pekiştirdiğini ve toplumsal gerilimleri şiddetlendirdiğini ortaya koymaktadır. Hükümetin başarı iddialarına rağmen, ordu öncülüğündeki terörle mücadele girişimleri El-Şebab'ın neden olduğu tehdidi ortadan kaldırmamış ve bazı durumlarda radikalleşmeyi yoğunlaştırmıştır. Bulgular, terörle mücadele stratejilerinin meşrulaştırılmasında ve sistemik eşitsizliklerin sürdürülmesinde retoriğin önemini vurgulayarak mevcut literatüre katkı sağlamayı amaçlamaktadır. Araştırma, Kenya'nın terörle mücadele çerçevesinin, kalıcı güvenliğe ulaşmak için insan hakları odaklı politikalara, sosyo-ekonomik girişimlere ve toplum destekli politikalara ihtiyaç duyduğunu ortaya koymaktadır.

🔖

Cite This Article

Kutlu, D. (2025). KENYA'S FIGHT AGAINST GLOBAL TERRORISM IN THE CONTEXT OF CRITICAL THEORY: THE CASE OF AL-SHABAAB. Siyasal Bilgiler Fakültesi Dergisi, Cilt: 10 Sayı: 1, 1–25. https://ajindex.com/articles/1658232

📄 Full Text PDF Viewer

📄

PDF görüntüleyici hazırlanıyor...

References (65)

  1. Abdullahi, H. A., Ichani, X., & Mulu, F. (2023). Drivers of Al-Shabaab Terror Attacks and Security of the Border: Case of Mandera County, Kenya. Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies, 129–137.
  2. Agamben, G. (2005). State of Exception. (K. Attell, Tran.). Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press. Retrieved June 4, 2025, from https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/S/bo3534874.html
  3. AMISOM. (2022). Kenya—KDF. AMISOM. Retrieved January 28, 2025, from https://amisom-au.org/kenya-kdf/
  4. Amnesty International. (2014). AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL REPORT 2014/15 THE STATE OF THE WORLD’S HUMAN RIGHTS. Amnesty International. Retrieved January 5, 2025, from https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/54921473/amnestyinternational-report-2014-15-the-state-of-the-worlds-human-rights
  5. Anderson, D. M., & McKnight, J. (2015). Kenya at War: Al-Shabaab and Its Enemies in Eastern Africa. African Affairs, 114(454), 1–27. [The Royal African Society, Oxford University Press].
  6. Australian National Security. (2024). Australian National Security Website. Australian National Security Website. Retrieved January 26, 2025, from https://www.nationalsecurity.gov.au/
  7. Bachmann, J., &, J. (2010). “Peace and Security” as Counterterrorism? The Political Effects of Liberal Interventions in Kenya. African Affairs, 109(434), 97–114. [Royal African Society, Oxford University Press].
  8. Badurdeen, F. A. (2018). Socio-legal implications of the laws to combat religious extremism in Kenya. Religion, Law and Security in Africa. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325188150_Socio-legal_implications_of_the_laws_to_combat_religious_extremism_in_Kenya
  9. BBC. (2015, April 2). Kenya attack: 147 dead in Garissa University assault. BBC News. Retrieved February 13, 2025, from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-32169080
  10. BBC News. (2015, April 5). Kenya mourns victims of Garissa al-Shabab attack. BBC News. Retrieved June 7, 2025, from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-32187891
  11. Botha, A. (2014). Political Socialization and Terrorist Radicalization Among Individuals Who Joined al-Shabaab in Kenya. Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, 37(11), 895–919. Routledge.
  12. Brankamp, H., & Glück, Z. (2022). Camps and counterterrorism: Security and the remaking of refuge in Kenya. Environment and Planning D: Society and Space, 40(3), 528–548. SAGE Publications Ltd STM.
  13. Breidlid, T. (2024). Countering or contributing to radicalisation and violent extremism in Kenya. Critical Studies on Terrorism, 225–246.
  14. Buzan, B. G., Wæver, O., & de Wilde, J. H. (1998). Security: A New Framework for Analysis. London / Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner.
  15. Buzan, B., & Wæver, O. (2009). Macrosecuritisation and security constellations: Reconsidering scale in securitisation theory. Review of International Studies, 35(2), 253–276.
  16. Chandra, Y. (2019). The Threat of Al-Shabaab in Kenya. UK Parliament.
  17. Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. S. (2018). The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research (5th ed.). SAGE.
  18. D.O. Opon, P.G. Okoth, & K. Onkware. (2015). Immigration Border Control Human Resource Challenges and Opportunities Affecting Counter- Terrorism Strategies in Kenya. International Journal of Education and Research, 301–314.
  19. Fairclough, N. (2017). CDA as dialectical reasoning. The Routledge Handbook of Critical Discourse Studies. Routledge.
  20. Freedom House. (2018). Kenya’s Antiterrorism Strategy Should Prioritize Human Rights, Rule of Law (pp. 1–5).
  21. Global Terrorism Data Base, Kenya. (2016). National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START). Retrieved from http://apps.start.umd.edu/gtd/search/Results.aspx?chart=overtime&search=kenya
  22. Goldsmith, P. (2018). Comparative Perspectives on Islamic Radicalism in Kenya and the Horn of Africa. Confronting Violent Extremism in Kenya (pp. 9–42). Centre for Human Rights and Policy Studies.
  23. Heath-Kelly, C. (2019). Critical Approaches to the Study of Terrorism. In E. Chenoweth, R. English, A. Gofas, & S. N. Kalyvas (Eds.), The Oxford Handbook of Terrorism (p. 0). Oxford University Press. Retrieved January 21, 2025, from https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780198732914.013.13
  24. Horkheimer, M., Adorno, T. W., & Noeri, G. (2002). Dialectic of Enlightenment. Stanford University Press.
  25. Human Rights Watch. (2014, April 11). Kenya: Halt Crackdown on Somalis. Retrieved December 30, 2024, from https://www.hrw.org/news/2014/04/11/kenya-halt-crackdownsomalis
  26. IPOA. (2017). Monitoring Report on Operation Sanitization Eastleigh, Publically Known as Usalama Watch. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority. Retrieved from https://www.ipoa.go.ke/frontAssets/uploads/resources/1723535839130824.pdf
  27. Jackson, R. (2009). Critical Terrorism Studies: An Explanation, a Defence and a Way Forward. Retrieved January 28, 2025, from https://www.semanticscholar. org/paper/Critical-Terrorism-Studies-%3A-An-Explanation-%2C-a-and-Jackson/efa89c55b0a0581791f1739756814195ee4a37d3
  28. Jackson, Richard. (2007). Constructing Enemies: “Islamic Terrorism” in Political and Academic Discourse. Government and Opposition, 42(3), 394–426. Cambridge University Press.
  29. Jirásek, D. (2023). Response of Kenya Security Forces to Terrorist Attacks in the Post- Westgate Period. Obrana a strategie, 1–21.
  30. Kamau, J. W. (2021). Is counter-terrorism counterproductive? A case study of Kenya’s response to terrorism, 1998-2020. South African Journal of International Affairs, 28(2), 203–231. Routledge.
  31. Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. (2015). The Error of Fighting Terror with Terror (pp. 1–39). Retrieved from https://www.knchr.org/portals/0/civilandpoliticalreports/final%20disappearances%20report%20pdf.pdf
  32. KNHCR. (2015). The Error of Fighting Terror with Terror. Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
  33. Los Angeles Times. (2013, September 21). Kenya mall attack: Death toll hits 39; reports of Americans injured. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 8, 2025, from https://www.latimes.com/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-kenya-mall-attack-death-toll-hits-39-20130921-story.html
  34. Mogire, E., & Mkutu Agade, K. (2011). Counter-terrorism in Kenya. Journal of Contemporary African Studies, 29(4), 473–491. Routledge.
  35. Muibu, D., & Cubukcu, S. (2023). Assessing the impact of terrorism and counter-terrorism on public perceptions among ethnic minorities in Kenya. Journal of Policing, Intelligence and Counter Terrorism, 18(1), 43–71. Routledge.
  36. Mule, R. (2020). Policies and strategies in Kenya’s response to the war on terror: A critical evaluation. Master’s Thesis, Strathmore University.
  37. Mwangi, O. G. (2017). Corruption, Human Rights Violation and Counterterrorism Policies in Kenya. In S. N. Romaniuk, F. Grice, D. Irrera, & S. Webb (Eds.), The Palgrave Handbook of Global Counterterrorism Policy (pp. 1041–1054). London: Palgrave Macmillan UK. Retrieved January 27, 2025, from https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-55769-8_50
  38. Mwangi, O. G. (2021). 12 The securitization of civil society organizations, Islamism, and counter-terrorism in Kenya: A case study of MUHURI and HAKI Africa. In Scott N. Romaniuk & E. Thaddues Njoku (Eds.), Counter-terrorism and civil society: Post-9/11 progress and challenges (pp. 204–215). Manchester University Press. Retrieved February 10, 2025, from https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.7765/9781526157935.00022/html
  39. Mwangi, O. G., & Mwangi, C. W. (2024). Securitisation and spaces of terrorism in Kenya’s National Police Service counterterrorism discourse. Critical Studies on Terrorism, 66–89.
  40. National Counter Terrorism Centre. (2023). National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) | Head of Public Service. Retrieved January 19, 2025, from https://www.headofpublicservice. go.ke/node/130
  41. National Counter Terrorism Centre. (2025). The Journey of Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism. Retrieved January 28, 2025, from https://counterterrorism.go.ke/nctc20/
  42. NCTC. (2016). Major NCTC-Driven Strategies and Policies. Retrieved January 31, 2025, from https://counterterrorism.go.ke/major-nctc-driven-strategies-and-policies%e2%80%a8/
  43. NCTC. (2024). NCTC – National Counter Terrorism Centre – KENYA. Retrieved February 10, 2025, from https://counterterrorism.go.ke/
  44. NCTC. (2025). NCTC – National Counter Terrorism Centre – KENYA. Retrieved June 7, 2025, from https://counterterrorism.go.ke/
  45. Ndono, P. W., Muthama, N. J., & Muigua, K. (2019). Effectiveness of the Nyumba Kumi community policing initiative in Kenya. Journal of Sustainability, Environment and Peace, 1(2), 63–67.
  46. NPS Kenya. (2016). Press Releases / Statements | National Police Service. Retrieved February 9, 2025, from https://www.nationalpolice.go.ke/press-releases-statements
  47. NPS Kenya. (2023). National Police Service Newsletter (pp. 1–21). Retrieved from https://www.nationalpolice.go.ke/sites/default/files/2024-08/NPS%20Newsletter%20Issue%20No%2008%20July-%20Sept%202023.pdf
  48. OAU. (1969). Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. Retrieved January 5, 2025, from http://hrlibrary.umn.edu/instree/z2arcon.htm
  49. Pantazis, C., & Pemberton, S. (2009). From the ‘Old’ to the ‘New’ Suspect Community: Examining the Impacts of Recent UK Counter-Terrorist Legislation. The British Journal of Criminology, 49(5), 646–666.
  50. Petrich, K. (2022). Cows, Charcoal, and Cocaine: Al-Shabaab’s Criminal Activities in the Horn of Africa. Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, 45(5–6), 479–500. Routledge.
  51. Ploch, L. (2010). Countering Terrorism in East Africa: The U.S. Response. Congressional Research Service, 1–67.
  52. Republic of Kenya. (2013). Report of the Joint Committee on Administration and National Security; and Defence and Foreign Relations on the Inquiry into the Westgate Terrorist Attack, and Other Terror Attacks in Mandera in North-Eastern and Kilifi in the Coastal Region (pp. 1–75). Republic of Kenya.
  53. Rivett-Carnac, M. (2016, May 12). Kenya to Close the “World’s Largest Refugee Camp” in Dadaab. TIME. Retrieved June 7, 2025, from https://time.com/4327239/kenya-closerefugee-camp-dadaab/
  54. Savage, A., & Lumbasi, L. (2016). The Impact of Decentralization in Kenya. Trinity College Dublin. Retrieved from https://aidlink.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/THE-IMPACTOF-DECENTRALIZATION-IN-KENYA-.pdf
  55. Shire, M. I. (2023). Provocation and Attrition Strategies in Transnational Terrorism: The Case of Al-Shabaab. Terrorism and Political Violence, 35(4), 945–970. Routledge.
  56. Sinai, J. (2008). How to Define Terrorism. Perspectives on Terrorism, 2(4), 9–11. Terrorism Research Institute. The Prevention of Terrorism Act. (2012). Retrieved from https://www.vertic.org/media/National%20Legislation/Kenya/KE_Prevention_Terrorism_Act.pdf
  57. Toros, H., & Gunning, J. (2009). Exploring a Critical Theory Approach to Terrorism Studies. Routledge. Retrieved September 24, 2024, from https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1661569/exploring-a-critical-theory-approach-to-terrorism-studies
  58. Toros, H., & Mavelli, L. (2014). Terrorism, organised crime and the biopolitics of violence. Terrorism: Bridging the Gap with Peace and Conflict Studies. Routledge.
  59. UN Security Council. (2012). Thirtieth report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team submitted pursuant to resolution 2610 (2021) concerning ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities.
  60. UNHCR. (2015). Kenya Comprehensive Refugee Programme 2015—Kenya | ReliefWeb. Retrieved January 5, 2025, from https://reliefweb.int/report/kenya/kenya-comprehensiverefugee-programme-2015
  61. UNHCR. (2018). World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples - Kenya: Muslims. Refworld. Retrieved February 10, 2025, from https://www.refworld.org/reference/countryrep/mrgi/2018/en/61738
  62. Whitaker, B. E. (2010). Compliance among weak states: Africa and the counter-terrorism regime. Review of International Studies, 36(3), 639–662. Cambridge University Press.
  63. World Bank. (2020, December 25). World Bank rules out piracy cash in Kenya property boom. Business Daily. Retrieved January 5, 2025, from https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/markets/world-bank-rules-out-piracy-cash-in-kenya-property-boom-2044888
  64. Yigzaw, T. D., & Mengisteab, K. (2024). Ethiopia’s and Kenya’s Use of Military Force as an Instrument of Foreign Policy in Post-1991 Somalia. India Quarterly, 80(1), 133–148. SAGE Publications India.
  65. Jackson, R. (2009). Critical Terrorism Studies: An Explanation, a Defence and a Way Forward. Retrieved January 28, 2025, from https://www.semanticscholar. org/paper/Critical-Terrorism-Studies-%3A-An-Explanation-%2C-a-and-Jackson/efa89c55b0a0581791f1739756814195ee4a37d3