Terrorist Organizations’ Activities Against Crucial Installations: Al-Shabaab’s Attacks on Critical Infrastructure in Kenya

Since the 2011 incursion of Kenyan troops into Somalia, security has deteriorated significantly in Kenya, exposing the vulnerability of the country’s soft targets on several occasions. The following study examines al-Shabaab’s attacks on critical infrastructure in Kenya with special emphasis on the communications, transportation, and energy sectors. As the northeast is most affected by terrorist activities, the chapter begins with a historical account of the area and then moves on to identify the sixteen critical infrastructure sectors. In the next sections, recent attacks on communication masts, buses, and aircrafts are analyzed, as well as potential attacks on oil pipelines are taken into consideration. The study argues that attacks against critical infrastructure have demonstrated that al-Shabaab is working toward causing a rift between locals living mainly in the northeast and the Kenyan government. Besides, due to the strategic importance and vulnerabilities of energy resources, it is crucial to protect oil pipelines in Kenya from potential al-Shabaab attacks. The chapter is concluded with putting forward recommendations to remedy the current situation.