Contribution of Kenya's Peacekeeping operation in Somalia in Advancing Kenya's National Interest

Abstract

Kenya’s peacekeeping operations in Somalia aim to strengthen national security, promote regional stability, and enhance geopolitical influence, yet face challenges such as security threats, economic pressures, humanitarian concerns, and fluctuating public support. This study examined the influence of Kenya’s peacekeeping mission on achieving national interests, focusing on military engagement, diplomatic alliances, capacity building of Somalia’s security forces, and refugee management. Guided by Realism, Liberal Institutionalism, Constructivism, and Rational Choice Theory, the research employed a mixed-methods design, collecting data from 171 purposively sampled stakeholders, including defense officials, AMISOM personnel, diplomats, counterterrorism experts, and affected civilians. Data were gathered through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, with validity ensured via expert review and reliability confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha. Quantitative analysis employed descriptive and regression statistics in SPSS, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Findings reveal that Kenya’s peacekeeping operations significantly advance national interests, with capacity building having the strongest impact, followed by military engagement, diplomatic alliances, and refugee management, all statistically significant. The study concludes that Kenya’s military presence enhances security, diplomatic alliances strengthen regional leadership, and capacity building in Somalia promotes stability. Effective refugee management is critical for minimizing cross-border threats. Recommendations include sustaining military operations, investing in Somali security capacity, enhancing border control, strengthening diplomatic partnerships, and promoting public awareness for transparency and stakeholder engagement.