EFFECT OF THE PROLIFERATION OF SMALL ARMS AND LIGHT WEAPONS ON INSECURITY IN THE KERIO VALLEY REGION, KENYA

JOHN KIPROTICH KISANG; HEATHER KIPCHUMBA

doi:10.61426/rjssh.v7i1.498

JOHN KIPROTICH KISANG Department of Public Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya
HEATHER KIPCHUMBA, PhD Department of Public Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya

DOI: https://doi.org/10.61426/rjssh.v7i1.498

Keywords: Small Arms and Light Weapons Proliferation, Insecurity, Public Security

Abstract

The Kerio Valley region in Kenya continues to experience persistent insecurity characterized by banditry, loss of life, displacement, and destruction of livelihoods. Despite various security interventions, insecurity remains widespread due to structural and institutional challenges. While previous studies have examined multiple determinants of insecurity, limited empirical attention has focused on the role of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) in shaping insecurity outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons on insecurity in the Kerio Valley region, Kenya. This study was anchored on Resource Conflict Theory and Rational Choice Theory, which explain how access to weapons intensifies competition over scarce resources and increases the likelihood of engaging in violent activities. The study adopted a descriptive survey design targeting 692 respondents drawn from security agencies, community members, and institutional stakeholders. A sample size of 253 respondents was determined using Yamane’s (1967) formula and selected through purposive and simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis, while qualitative data from open-ended responses were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed a strong positive and statistically significant relationship between the proliferation of small arms and light weapons and insecurity (β ≈ .780, p < .05), with SALW proliferation explaining approximately 60% of the variation in insecurity (R² ≈ .600). The study concludes that the proliferation of small arms and light weapons is a significant predictor of insecurity in the Kerio Valley region. The study recommends strengthening disarmament initiatives, enhancing border control, improving inter-agency coordination, and promoting community-based security approaches to effectively address insecurity.

Author Biographies

JOHN KIPROTICH KISANG, Department of Public Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya

Department of Public Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya

HEATHER KIPCHUMBA, PhD, Department of Public Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya

Department of Public Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya

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