Technological Capabilities and Law Enforcement Responses to Improvised Explosive Device Threats in Garissa County, Kenya

Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) pose a significant security challenge to law enforcement agencies in Garissa County, Kenya. This study examined technological capabilities and law enforcement responses to IED threats in the county. The study was guided by Situational Crime Prevention Theory and Systems Theory and employed a descriptive research design. Stratified and simple random sampling were used to select police officers, while purposive sampling was used to select key informants. Data were collected using questionnaires and interview guides. A sample of 359 respondents was drawn from a target population of 3,502 using Yamane’s formula. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings indicated significant technological gaps in IED detection, bomb disposal, surveillance, communication, and operational equipment. Less than 40% of respondents reported access to advanced bomb disposal robots and drones, while 80.1% rated armored vehicles as ineffective. The findings also showed that community intelligence and interagency coordination supported IED response, although communication and information-sharing gaps constrained operational effectiveness. The study concludes that strengthening technological capacity, equipment availability, maintenance, and integrated communication systems is essential for improving law enforcement responses to IED threats in Garissa County.