The role of refugees in proliferation of small arms and light weapons: the case of Kakuma, Kenya

Abstract

The aim of this study was to establish the role of refugees in the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Kenya through Kakuma refugee camp and its impact on regional security. The study was anchored on the following research questions; what is the role of refugees in the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Kenya? and what is the impact of proliferation of illegal arms on regional security? The findings of the study have both theoretical and practical implications for the future of small arms and light weapons and refugee studies in Kenya. Research design adopted was crosssectional survey design and targeted a population of 25,000. Data was collected using interview schedule, questionnaires and the use secondary data. The statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used for analysis. The main findings of the study are small arms and light weapons proliferation plays a major roles in regional insecurity and affect Kenya not only economically but also politically and internationally and refugees plays a role in arms proliferation. It was also concluded that small arms and light weapons proliferation is no longer an issue to under estimate but one to be taken seriously. The study recommends that Kenyan government should take the matter seriously and come up with strict policies to curb the same. Before a refugee camp is located in any particular part of the country proper feasibility study, including an environmental impact assessment study should be carried out to assess the capability of the area. The study concluded that the Kenya government should not only have strict policies on refugees but should also put the same in practice and knows refugees are not only victims of small arms and light weapons but also perpetrators of the same.