The Ungoverned Territories and Islamic Violent Extremism in North Eastern Kenya

The ungoverned territories are the major breeding grounds for violent extremism in various parts of the world. These spaces provide conducive environment for violent extremists to thrive, posing serious security challenges in the international system. Though ungoverned territories are a major security threat in the international system, many governments especially in Africa have given little or no attention to those spaces in their security agenda. This paper therefore examines whether the North Eastern region in Kenya is an ungoverned territory, and if yes, how such a territory has emboldened radicalization into violent extremism. The study adopts qualitative research that underlines non-numerical aspects such as emotions, feelings and opinions. Primary data was used to corroborate the secondary sources so as to enrich the argument presented in this study. Interviews with experts among them security officials, local administrators and scholars who are versed with the subject matter was sought. The triangulation of both primary and secondary data was employed in the analysis. The findings of this study depict that the North Eastern region is an ungoverned territory. This is because the region lacks effective control by the central government, proper enforcement of the rule of law, adequate provision of basic services by the government, and has ineffective institutions. The study further demonstrates that the ungoverned territory of the North Eastern region has played a significant role in emboldening violent extremism in the region. Since this territory has weak social contract between the residents and the government, has created safe havens for violent extremists to operate, and has ineffective institutions that make the provision of basic services difficult, it has created a conducive environment for the spread of violent extremism. This study therefore underlines the need to combat violent extremism in the region by addressing the prevailing governance challenges.