Reassembling the Kenyan Security Sector: The Role of Civil Society Organizations in Security Governance

Project summary

Abstract:

This thesis examines how several Kenyan civil society organizations (CSOs) are involved in the security sector reforms (SSR) process that was initiated after the post-election violence of 2007/08. Using the Global Security Assemblages Theory, this thesis has illustrated how SSR has transformed the Kenyan security sector by providing an avenue for CSOs to be formally involved in security governance. The analysis indicates that CSOs have mainly engaged in ‘soft issues’ such as civic education and promoting human rights. In addition, their involvement has mainly been limited to their areas of interest. Moreover, their access to donor funding was found to be vital in their involvement in SSR despite the limitations that emanate from the conditions that accompany donor funding. Furthermore, their involvement in security governance has generated multiple reactions from government agencies.