The nexus between maritime insecurity and land-based terror activities in Lamu County, Kenya

Abstract

The threats of terror activities in the Indian Ocean led to the Kenyan government’s reaction to the maritime asymmetric threats by putting in place maritime security strategies. Despite these strategies, maritime environments continue to face challenges. The study examined the nexus between maritime insecurity and land-based terror activities in Lamu County, Kenya. The study was grounded on two theories: routine activity and securitization theory. Convergent parallel research design was utilized. The study area was in Lamu County. The target population of the study was 966, for which Slovin’s formula was used to derive a sample size of 320. Primary data was collected using questionnaires, an interview guide, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Secondary data was obtained from police records, academic journals, books, policy papers, government publications, and online sources. The obtained data was analyzed with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. The study established that external links in the Indian Ocean region contributed to the smuggling and illicit trade of weapons and drug trafficking at 66%, while maritime ecosystems and natural harbors allowed the freelancing of pirates by providing them with shelter and concealment at 50%. This situation has enabled terror groups to conceal their activities (66%) using small boats to exploit the maritime domain, leading to maritime insecurities that negatively affect the livelihoods of locals (84%). Based on the data, the statistical results highlight a compromised maritime security environment in the Indian Ocean Region. The findings indicate high rates of illicit activity, driven by exploitation of natural geography, which severely impacts local communities. The study concludes that the Indian Ocean region is facing a complex maritime insecurity nexus where weak governance and natural coastal features allow criminal and terror networks to thrive. Terror groups have leveraged this environment, utilizing small boats to conceal movements and exploit the maritime domain for attacks on land. The study recommends enhanced maritime domain awareness and surveillance using satellite and automatic identification system monitoring; strengthened law enforcement and regional cooperation, including joint regional patrols and legal framework enhancement; community-based resilience and livelihood protection, like inclusive maritime security with local fishing communities in maritime security dialogues and resource protection; and adoption of strategic counter-smuggling measures through geographic risk assessment and coast guard professionalization.