YOUTH MARGINALIZATION AND SECURITY IN MANDERA TRIANGLE, KENYA

Abstract

Marginalization is as a process by which a group or individual is denied access to important positions and symbols of economic, religious, or political power within any society a marginal group may actually constitute a numerical majority and should perhaps be distinguished from a minority group, which may be small in numbers, but has access to political or economic power. Youth radicalization in Mandera triangle, courtesy of marginalization has led to insecurity resulting in loss of lives, destruction of property and non-local workers seeking for transfer to other parts of the country. In the African context, socio-economic issues are key in radicalization processes. There is scanty literature on the correlation between marginalization and security in a developing country. The study investigated effect of marginalization on security situation in Mandera triangle. Data was obtained from all the six sub-counties, Mandera South, Mandera East, Mandera North, Banisa, Mandera West and Lafey. Descriptive survey design was used in the study. Snowball sampling technique was used to identify 100 respondents from a target population of 200 youth. The sample size was distributed proportionately among the six sub-counties. Three key informants were purposively selected from institutions. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analysis data. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS Version 22) was used in the analysis of data. The study concludes that marginalization (β=- 0.400, P˂0.05) had positive significant effect on security in Mandera triangle. The study concluded that marginalization negatively affects security. From the conclusion, the study recommended that to address insecurity in Mandera, marginalization of the youth should be addressed at managerial and policy levels.  The findings may inform the security sector in formulation of policies and laws in reducing marginalization and improving the security situation in Mandera Triangle