THE INFLUENCE OF IMMIGRATION POLICY AS A COUNTER-TERRORISM MEASURE IN KENYA: A CASE STUDY OF JOMO KENYATTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Abstract

This study aimed at examining the influence of immigration policy as a CT measures in the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The objectives of the study were; to assess the influence of CT institutionalization policy on CT measures in Kenya, to determine the influence of documentation issuance policy on counter-terrorism measures within JKIA and to explore the influence of CT legal procedure policy on counter-terrorism measures within JKIA. The study used Securitization, the Instrumental Theory of Terrorism and Meyers' theory of socioeconomic and foreign policy factors shaping immigration control policy. The study targeted 1,900 employees associated with the airport, which led to a sample size of 19 respondents. Case study, qualitative and quantitative research designs were employed. Interview schedules and questionnaires were major data collectors. Analyzing data comprised descriptive and qualitative statistics. The study established 100% of the respondents agreed to the need for counter-terrorism institutionalization policy Kenya being adopted. There was a high efficiency of the organization’s handling of cases of undocumented foreigners (refugees and asylum seeks) from countries ranked as high-risk terrorist nations. The organization’s handling of cases of undocumented foreigners from countries ranked as high-risk terrorist nations. The study concluded that that the agencies work together to address security issues at the airport, and that the organization is creating awareness in the community. The study recommended enhanced collaboration and cooperation between various security and intelligence gathering agencies with the provisions of the law to step up counter-terrorism efforts at international airports. Measures and systems should also be instituted in airports for deterrence of illegal entry of persons and contraband goods that could otherwise act as agents or enablers of terrorist activities once they enter the country. The airports’ management must also strictly adhere to immigration rules by tightening illegal movements of people and goods that could end up being security and terrorist related risks.