This archive report was first published on 6 January 2020.
A New Approach to Security in Kenya ¶
As the world welcomed a new decade, Kenya was still reeling from the security challenges of 2019. The year began with a horrific Al-Shabaab attack on the Dusit D2 Complex in Nairobi, which left 21 people dead and many more injured.
However, the government's response to the attack marked a turning point in its approach to fighting terror. The Wajir County Commissioner, Jacob Narengo, announced a two-pronged strategy to combat terror, which included increasing intelligence gathering capabilities and leveraging community leaders to prevent attacks.
The strategy, which was implemented in response to a spike in recent attacks, has shown promise in its early stages. By focusing on intelligence gathering and community engagement, the government is able to identify and prevent potential threats before they materialize.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has also played a key role in Kenya's security efforts, with a focus on regional cooperation and diplomacy. His numerous international trips have helped to establish Kenya as a regional leader and have led to significant progress in the country's bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council.
With the election of non-permanent members coming up in June 2020, Kenya's bid for a seat on the Security Council is stronger than ever. The country's success in this area is a testament to the effectiveness of President Kenyatta's approach to security and diplomacy.
