Thesis:

Assessing the influence of devolution on Kenya's cross border relations with Somalia: a case of Wajir county 2018-2023

Devolution was implemented immediately following the promulgation of Kenya's constitution 2010, however little is known about its impacts to cross-border relations. Therefore, this study sought to examine the influence of devolution on Kenya's cross border relations with Somalia with special focus on Wajir County. In particular, the study sought to evaluate the influence of devolution on security dynamics along the Kenya-Somalia border, to assess the changes in socio-economic interactions between communities living along this border and finally to establish the challenges and opportunities faced in governance and administrative structures at the bordering counties. Rational choice theory is employed by the study in explaining how devolution affects cross-border relation especially communities living along Somalia-Kenya border. The used mixed type of research which combines both quantitative and qualitative. The study used a descriptive research design, and the targeted population was 522,812 residents of Wajir, community leaders, government officials (both national and county levels), and local civil society organizations. The study used Yamane’s (1967) sampling formula to calculate a sample of 204 and employed a stratified random sampling technique to identify individuals who participated in providing information relating to the topic study. Questionnaires used as data collection instruments. An analysis of quantitative data was done using the SPSS version 22.0 while qualitative information generated from open-ended questions were categorized in form of themes. Study findings were presented in the form of frequency and percentages. The result of this study is expected to demonstrate influence of devolution beyond counties and try to explain how it can build cross-border relationships. The study found that respondents note that well-managed elective seats in the region have reduced political competition resulting to tension and violence; hence some communities had relied on their relatives across the borders for support and devolution has reduced such activities. It also showed that majority 65% of the respondents said that community members from Wajir county regularly have discussions with their counterparts in Somalia side. The study recommends that there is need for national government to support local administration to ensure all parts of the county contribute to cross border relations. Also, county government can formulate policies that seeks to enhance communication between Kenya authorities and those in Somalia. Further studies can be conducted to examine role of devolution in other counties along the border of other countries such as Ethiopia and South Sudan or Uganda.