The Benefits and Challenges of Regionalism to Kenya's National Security

The general objective of the study is to assess the benefits and challenges of regionalism on national security of Kenya. The study is anchored on the theory of Hegemonic War and Change as fronted by Robert Gilpins. The study was guided by exploratory research design that targeted population comprised of personnel from the embassies of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, DRC and South Sudan, officials from the Ministry of East Africa and Regional Development in Kenya and senior military officers from Kenya Defence Forces. The sample size comprised of 20 respondents purposively selected. Questionnaires and interviews were used in collecting data. Data analysis involved use of qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques. The analyzed data was presented in tables. Results showed that benefits and challenges of regionalism for Kenya had a positive and significant relationship to national security. The study concludes that Kenya should continuously focus on the potential benefits accruing from regionalism as the foundation for harnessing the national security of its population. The study recommends for Kenya to utilize its dominant economic presence as a member of the expanding EAC to accrue more benefits for the national security of its people and the general welfare of the entire population in the region.