Officers’ Perceptions on Inf luence of Selected Factors on General Service Unit’s Capacity to Contain Terrorism in Kenya

Abstract

Terrorist attacks have lately been on the increase with security officers being the main target. Despite the preparations that the GSU are undergoing, the intensity of terrorist attacks has continued pointing to the need to investigate the perceptions of officers regarding the various factors that influence their capacity to combat terrorism in Kenya, amid ongoing threats from groups such as Al Shabab. This study was carried out at G.S.U Training School Embakasi, Nairobi, Kenya. Utilizing theory of contingencies, despite various governmental initiatives, Kenya has faced persistent terrorist attacks, prompting a need to explore underlying issues that hinder effective counterterrorism efforts. The study specifically aimed to examine how intra and inter-institutional coordination and intelligence sharing affect the GSU’s operational readiness and response to terrorism. Employing a descriptive research design, data was gathered through questionnaires distributed to a stratified random sample of 120 GSU officers at the GSU Training School in Embakasi, Nairobi, supplemented by secondary sources. The analysis utilized both qualitative and quantitative methods, employing descriptive statistics and thematic narratives to present findings. Results revealed significant lapses in coordination and cooperation in information sharing among national security agencies, which impede the GSU’s effectiveness against terrorist threats. The study underscores the necessity for enhanced strategic intelligence and collaborative frameworks to improve counterterrorism operations in Kenya. Recommendations for developing a more robust counterterrorism strategy for the GSU are provided based on the findings.