Immigration and Terrorism in Kenya: A Complex Relationship

By Amb. Gordon K'achola The interconnectedness of immigration and terrorism has faced many nations in recent decades. Kenya, due to its strategic placement in East Africa, considers this challenge of high importance. With borders abutting such conflict states as Somalia, Kenya has uniquely intricate challenges that interweave migration policies with national security. The following blog post discusses implications of immigration to terrorism in Kenya through real-life examples and expert viewpoints on this complex issue. Background Some of the many different factors shaping the immigration landscape in Kenya include regional instability and internal security challenges. Turmoil in the neighboring country of Somalia nurtured such extremist groups as Al-Shabaab, who conducted numerous attacks within the borders of Kenya. The many threats led to the implementation of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act of 2011, which indeed provided a structured framework in handling im...