Structural and Institutional Impediments Confronting Collective Security Institutions in The Eastern Africa Sub Region:

• Robert K. Kibochi

  National Defence University - Kenya

  Author

• Lucy W. Maina

  Kenyatta University

  Author

Resurgent and protracted conflicts are common in the Eastern Africa sub-region despite the existence of several Collective Security Institutions (CSIs), including the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the East African Community (EAC), and the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF). Anecdotal evidence points to weaknesses in their configurations and execution of mandate. This study sought to explore the structural and institutional challenges that confront CSIs in pursuit of conflict resolution in the sub-region. A mixed-method research approach incorporating cross-sectional and phenomenological research designs was adopted. The target population included 638 members of the three CSIs: IGAD (230), EAC (190), and EASF (218), and 210 members of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) addressing peace and security in the region. A sample size of 226 members was determined using the Krejcie and Morgan (1970) formula. A stratified random sampling procedure was then used to select staff from the strategic, operational, and tactical levels at the three CSIs, while cluster and purposive sampling techniques were used to obtain CSO representatives and beneficiaries. Questionnaires, interviews, and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were used to collect data from respondents. Quantitative data were analyzed and summarized using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis and thematic methods based on the research objectives. Findings revealed that structural and institutional factors such as overlapping mandates, overreliance on donor funding, and lack of political commitment to implement agreed treaties and protocols affected the CSIs’ pursuit of conflict resolution. The study recommends the alignment and recasting of CSIs in the region to address overlaps by tapping into areas of comparative advantage and specialization for greater synergy in pursuit of sustainable peace.

1. Robert K. Kibochi, National Defence University - Kenya

   General Robert Kariuki Kibochi served as the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces from 2020 to 2023. Throughout his career, he held various important command and staff positions, including Vice Chief of the Defence Forces, Commander of the Kenya Army, Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in charge of Operations, Plans, Doctrine, and Training at Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Chief of Strategic Plans and Policy, Director of the International Peace Support Training Centre, Col Operations Requirements (CIS), and Commander of the Corps of Signals. Gen Kibochi holds a PhD degree in Peace and Conflict Management, a master's Degree in International Studies, a master's Degree in Computer Information Systems, and a Bachelor of Technology in Communication and Electronics Engineering. He has also completed professional training in National Security Studies at the National Defence College (Kenya), Army Command and Staff Course (UK), Overseas Telecoms Engineering Course (UK), Signal Officers Degree Telecommunications Engineering Course (India), Sub Unit Commanders Course, Platoon Commanders Course, Regimental Signal Officers Course, and other relevant training courses.

2. Lucy W. Maina, Kenyatta University

   Prof. Lucy W. Maina (Ph.D., OGW) is an Associate Professor of Sociology at the Department of Sociology, Gender and Development and is the immediate former Dean of the School of Security, Diplomacy and Peace Studies at Kenyatta University. She has over 25 years of experience in higher education, which includes programme development and training in Military and strategic studies, security and peace studies, and International Relations areas as well as Corrections. She is an avid researcher and has published widely in peer-reviewed journal outlets.

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