Influence of Poverty on Violent Extremism in Kenya: A Case Study of Mombasa County Between 2007 To 2017

The study sought to examine the influence of Poverty on Violent Extremism in Kenya: a case of Mombasa County. The study aimed to answer the following research questions: what are the predominant causes of poverty in Mombasa County? What is the extent of poverty prevalence on violent extremism in Mombasa County? and what is the link between poverty and violent extremism in Mombasa County? The target population of this study was the County government of Mombasa, World Values Surveys, UN records, National government records, and non-benefit associations (NGOs) records. Secondary data, which is the main data for the analyses, was gathered from publications dependent on information from the County government reports, World Values Surveys, UN records, national government records, non-benefit associations (NGOs) records, media articles, and concentrates identified with the present subject. Data was analysed using Descriptive Analysis, Pearson‟s Simple Correlation Analysis. The results of the Meta analysis indicates that poverty levels was the main factor contributing to violent extremism. The findings show that poverty rates in Mombasa is around 38% and has been consistent according to Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (2015) and unemployment is estimated at 15% in 2009. The analysis shows that there is high labor migration from the rural areas amongst working age population aged between 15-64 years, but also many non-coastal people. According to the results of the analysis, radicalization and recruitment into violent extremism is the foremost security threat in Mombasa and high numbers of youths are being recruited to join Al Shabaab. As per this examination, it has been contended that for every four to five houses there is a radicalization issue in the Mombasa. It is concluded that countries that have reduced poverty and improved living conditions on a broad scale have developed comprehensive social protection systems covering a majority of the population. The study has also concluded that by helping people living in poverty to address trade-offs between meeting their immediate needs and securing future livelihoods, social security fund measures can encourage the accumulation of productive assets and help households to manage risk. The results of the analysis show that, sustained poverty reduction cannot be achieved unless equality of opportunity and access to basic services is ensured.