Development Factors Influencing the Kenya- Somalia Maritime Dispute

Executive Summary

The paper analyses the development factors that impact on the Kenya- Somalia maritime dispute. The primary discourse includes: the exploitation of Somalia’s population dynamics for political expediency; vested interests of local and geopolitical actors; role of development partners; and the influence of diaspora Somalis. The key findings and recommendations are informed by expert opinions and secondary data on Somalia’s political economy and development. The discussion concludes that while the economic interests of geopolitical actors and development partners appear to exert more influence in the dispute, the personal interests of local actors remain prominent. This paper recommends development of policy guidelines for engagement of Somalia on youth-centric development programs and, engaging geo-political actors and influential Somali clans, among others.