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Paper short abstract

Borderland counties of Kenya face a multitude of challenges. There has been a significant deployment of security agencies to manage the situation. Prevailing mistrust obstruct community engagement in peace initiatives and developmental endeavors led by or associated with security agencies.

Paper long abstract

The borderland counties of Kenya face a multitude of challenges, such as a relative lack of development compared to other regions, feelings of marginalization, perennial conflicts, violent extremism, and concerns regarding human rights violations. Considering the enduring instability within the region, there has been a significant increase in the deployment of security agencies to address and manage the situation. Poor coordination between the security agencies and the community has evolved, resulting in a fragile relationship. The prevailing mistrust and absence of cohesion significantly obstruct meaningful community engagement in peace initiatives and developmental endeavors, particularly those led by or associated with security agencies. This research analyses the frequently neglected but crucial roles that women play in the dynamics of civilian-security relations and the broader context of human security and development within the borderland counties of Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa in Kenya. This examination delves into the roles women play as mediators, information brokers, and architects of community resilience, highlighting their influence on local peace processes, even in the face of their underrepresentation within formal security and governance frameworks. Anchored on the frameworks of Liberal Feminism and Human Security theoretical perspective, the study produce recommendations aimed at enhancing gender-responsive security governance. The results are intended to guide Kenya’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security, while also bolstering wider regional initiatives to incorporate gender considerations into peacebuilding and human security frameworks.