Incidences and Implications of Insecurity on Non-Governmental Organizations Service Delivery in Mandera County, Kenya

Abstract

The Kenyan government is increasingly concerned about the ongoing deterioration of insecurity concerns and the recurrent terror attacks that are being fueled by terrorist operations in Mandera County. This study looked at the incidences of insecurity and its effects on non-governmental organizations service delivery in Mandera County, Kenya, during the spike in insecurity. This study's broad goal served as guidance as it investigated different types of criminal attacks against NGOs, looked at the factors that contribute to the insecurity of NGOs in Mandera County, and ultimately established implications of insecurity on NGOs' services in Mandera County. This study used a descriptive research design with Routine Activity Theory as its foundation. Questionnaires and Key informants interview guides served as the primary tools for gathering data. The sample size of this study was 95 respondents drawn from 4 NGOs working in Mandera county and 10 Key Informants drawn from Mandera County security committee. Stratified and simple random sampling methods were used in this study. The collected data was interpreted and analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively and the results presented in tables with the help of descriptive statistics namely frequency and percentages. This study found that NGOs were frequently the target of criminal attacks, which negatively impacted their ability to provide services. This study noted various incidences of criminal attacks, including bomb threats, ransom kidnappings, gang rapes, gun shootings, kidnappings, robberies, and assaults, which contributed to the general perception of instability in the area. The findings showed that political unrest in Somalia, long porous borders, the availability of small and light weapons, terrorism, unemployment, a high rate of illiteracy, a lack of government support, poverty, and, lastly, the existence of ongoing armed conflict were the main causes of insecurity. The study also found that insecurity has a negative impact on the services provided by non-governmental organizations (NGOs), with major implications including high operational costs, programs disruption and suspension, scaling down of NGOs, and relocation of NGOs to safer grounds. Among other recommendations, this study suggests that NGOs should adopt life insurance policies against their employees, as this will offer protection and even motivation. Strong policies, procedures, and strategies should be developed by the government in order to address the underlying causes of insecurity. Lastly, in order to inform and raise awareness of the need of maintaining national peace, the government should impose security training programs.