Governance and Violent Radicalization Nexus: The Deteriorating State-Citizen Relationship as a Push Factor for Violent Radicalization in the Coast Region of Kenya

Abstract

Poverty, marginalisation and weak governance severe citizen-state relationships as citizens lose trust in their governmental development policy-making. The weaker the citizen-state relationship due to failed governmental policies the higher the chances for the radicalisation of young people for extremist organizations which fills the gaps of state failure. The main objective of the article is to understand the causes for the deteriorating citizen-state relationship in the coastal region of Kenya which contributes to the radicalization and recruitment of youth into the al-Shabaab terrorist organization. Based on an ethnographic study, the author highlights causes such as poverty, marginalization, ineffective governance and repressive strategies of counter terrorism measures as push factors for radicalization and extremism in the coast region of Kenya. The article reveals how marginalization as a consequence of ineffective or bad governance since colonial periods have resulted in poor human development in the region creating frustrated individuals ripe for Jihadist organizations such as al-Shabaab. Few economic prospects, outlets for meaningful civic participation, little trust in the state to either provide services or respect human rights, or experiences of abuse of power by the state have tipped young people over the edge into extremism. There is a need for a stronger development focus to security challenges such as creating pathways for economic empowerment, accountable and transparency in service delivery, strengthening local institutions and redress mechanisms for justice.