Enhancing Kenya’s National Security: Optimizing Early Warning and Response Surveillance Systems

National security is a foundational priority for states, particularly in volatile global environments. For Kenya, optimizing early warning and response surveillance systems (EWS) is essential for countering a diverse range of threats, from terrorism and organized crime to cyber vulnerabilities. This study investigates Kenya’s current security framework, identifying operational gaps and resource constraints that hinder EWS effectiveness. Using a qualitative content analysis approach, the study reviews peer-reviewed literature, government reports, and case studies from comparable security systems, drawing especially on African nations that share socioeconomic parallels with Kenya. Findings reveal significant shortfalls in inter-agency coordination, technology integration, and community engagement, which collectively limit the efficacy of Kenya’s EWS. The paper concludes with recommendations for strengthening Kenya’s surveillance capabilities by fostering inter-agency data sharing, incorporating advanced surveillance technology, and expanding community-based approaches to enhance early threat detection and rapid response. These recommendations underscore the importance of a tailored, multi-sectoral strategy for achieving comprehensive national security resilience in Kenya.