Effects Of Maritime Border Conflicts On Kenya-Somali Relations

Abstract

Maritime boarder issues are a source of conflict to the enclosed citizens and a nation at large. This study explored maritime boarder conflict and their impact on Kenya-Somalia relations. It was guided by the specific objectives that are; to investigate the influence of colonial border demarcation on Kenya-Somalia relations; to examine the effects of continental shelf disputes on Kenya-Somalia relations; and to assess the impact of maritime territorial integrity on Kenya- Somalia relations. Theories that underpinned the topic were not limited to realism theory and relative deprivation theory. This research adopted descriptive survey research design. Purposive sampling was used of critical case sampling was used to select officials; hence the sample size determined for this study were 60 officials. The quantitative data was analyzed through the use of descriptive statistics and SPSS, the data was presented in bar charts, pie charts, frequency and percentage tables. The study found that colonial border demarcation were scantly met by the two nations, also the study found that the dispute in the continental shelf has led to poor natural resource management and the territorial integrity are not met due to postponement of dates to the International Court of Justice by the Kenyan Government.