National Security And Human Rights: A Case Study Of Counter-Terrorism Measures Taken By The Kenyan Government In Response To Al-Shabaab

Abstract

Despite the fact that the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 has sought to respectively include the Bill of Rights, in Chapter Four and National Security in Chapter Fourteen, have these laws been implemented without prejudice. Commissions such as the Kenyan National Human Rights Commission, and the United Nations Development Program have researched and written on the relations between National Security and Human Rights, especially on matters to do with counter-terrorism. A frequent concern in the counter terrorism measures in Kenyan has been its respect for, or lack of Human Rights. This study shows that there exists structures within the nation and international laws that require the state to provide the security to its citizens and safeguard their basic and constitutional rights. Concerns have been raised by civil societies and human rights activities on counter terrorism laws and their implementations in Kenya.