National Government and Academia: A Collaborative Approach in Advancing National Security in Kenya

Abstract

Academia plays a critical role in the development of Kenya and its people. Academic research makes significant contributions to knowledge, innovations, and solutions that can drive national security and improve livelihoods. It is a vital contributor to the knowledge production of national security theories, principles, approaches, technologies, and techniques. In advanced nations, educational enterprise invests immense resources and deliberate efforts in the continuity of research and production of data and revolutionary technologies impacting national and international security. However, the contribution of academia to developing countries in security development remains limited and generally unknown. This paper explores secondary research findings of the current education landscape and the contribution of academia to security development in Kenya. The goal of the study was to investigate and deepen understanding of the security development processes through an exploration of the most notable security developments, achievements, programs, research works, and technologies generated by the Kenyan academic body. The study revealed that few studies in Kenya have focused on this area and as such, it was useful to establish a foundation of knowledge regarding the contributions and collaboration between academia and national security. The analysis of national security academic programs, several public national security research institutions, national security public forums, higher education institutional and national budgets for security programs, scholarships, scientific presentations, and security-specific technological exhibitions, posits a weak influence, wanton contribution, and involvement of the Kenyan academia and the government in matters of national security development. It shows challenges, needs, and opportunities associated with national security in Kenya that can be leveraged by exploring the attitudes, perceptions, views, and attitudes of key stakeholders espousing policies on national security in the country. To stimulate national security research activities in Kenya, this study recommends a collaborative approach in the integration and funding of national security development programs for academia and industry in the country and other advancing nation-states.