BORDER CONTROL MECHANISMS AND THE PREVENTION OF RADICALIZATION IN THE HAGADERA REFUGEE COMPLEX, GARISSA COUNTY, KENYA

Purpose of Study: This study examined the role of border control mechanisms in preventing radicalization within the Hagadera Refugee Complex, Garissa County, Kenya, focusing on effectiveness of border operations, inter-agency coordination, and implementation challenges in a porous Kenya–Somalia border context. Methodology: A descriptive mixed-methods design was employed with 142 purposively sampled stakeholders. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS (descriptive and inferential statistics), while qualitative data underwent thematic content analysis. Findings:  Border control mechanisms significantly reduced radicalization risks: intelligence sharing (mean=4.18), border screening (mean=4.12), and patrol surveillance (mean=4.05). Inter-agency coordination registered moderate-to-high collaboration (mean=3.84), though irregular joint forums (mean=3.69) constrained effectiveness. Key challenges included porous borders (mean=4.26), limited resources (mean=4.19), inadequate personnel (mean=4.10), and community mistrust (mean=3.97). Pearson correlation confirmed a strong positive relationship between border control measures and radicalization prevention (r=0.642, p<0.01). Regression analysis established border control as a significant predictor (β=0.587, p<0.001), explaining 41.2% of prevention outcome variance. Conclusion: Proper operations, institutionalized coordination, and community engagement are essential for effective counter-radicalization in refugee settings. The study recommends targeted investment in surveillance technology, personnel capacity, formalized multi-stakeholder coordination frameworks, and trust-building community engagement programs to strengthen prevention outcomes.