Conflict influenced by geography: Analysis of Kenya's geographical position to explain the Somali and North-Eastern Kenya's unrest

One of the most troubles areas in the globe is the Horn of Africa (HOA). Many parts of the Horn of Africa remain unable to break free from armed conflicts, violent crime, communal violence, extremism, political instability, and state failures that have plagued the region for decades. Most of the region's zones of armed conflicts and instability today is more concentrated near border areas; this poses a significant risk of spillover. An excellent example of this situation is that of Somali's conflict spillover in the North-Eastern Kenya region. Both Kenya and Somalia/Somaliland have been the subject of numerous conflict assessments over the past fifteen years. This report will assess the context in North-Eastern Kenya with a focus on the spillover effect of the situation in Somalia and its broader implications. This thesis will also look at the connection between the Kenya–Somalia border regions that house Somali ethnic group and the likely consequence of the border. The research will examine the link between the historical bordering process carried out by the colonial and post-colonial powers as a contribution to the complexity of border security in the region. The geopolitical analysis will also examine the emergence of identity politics within the Somali ethnic group, as well as how terrorists have exploited this ethnic identity for their interest. The study concludes with programmatic suggestions for sustainable solutions that empower residents in both the host and refugee communities towards stability.