Peace and Security in Kenya - by Kachra (Paperback)

About the Book

"In Peace and Security in Kenya: The USAID Approach, Galeeb Kachra examines the involvement of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) in Kenya in the years following the post-election violence in late 2007 and early 2008 that left the country on the brink of civil war. Through USAID's Office of Transition Initiatives, Kachra oversaw the Kenya Transition Initiative, which helped Kenyans establish a renewed judiciary, implement a new constitution, and grapple with longstanding land issues. As a country central to American foreign policy in Africa, Kachra argues, efforts to foster peace, reconciliation, and democratic political reform there had real impacts on US security objectives. In examining USAID's role in a critical period in Kenyan history and drawing on his first-hand experiences, Kachra contends that "peace and security," a phrase commonly used through American government documents and foreign policy strategies, is ill-defined and does not account for how substantially development interventions in other countries contribute to American national security objectives. Arguing against compartmentalization and narrow understandings of what constitutes peace and security work, Kachra instead urges specialists and policymakers to adopt a broader, more holistic approach when considering strategic objectives. An insightful examination by a career development expert, Peace and Security in Kenya offers a fresh approach at a significant time in global affairs"--

Book Synopsis

How USAID's work in Kenya can inform broader foreign policy

In Peace and Security in Kenya: The USAID Approach, Galeeb Kachra examines the involvement of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) in Kenya following the post-election violence in late 2007 and early 2008 that left the country on the brink of civil war. Through USAID's Office of Transition Initiatives, Kachra oversaw the Kenya Transition Initiative, which helped Kenyans establish a renewed judiciary, implement a new constitution, and grapple with longstanding land issues. As a country central to American foreign policy in Africa, Kachra argues, efforts to foster peace, reconciliation, and democratic political reform there had real benefits to US security objectives.

In examining USAID's role in a critical period in Kenyan history and drawing on his first-hand experiences, Kachra contends that "peace and security," a phrase commonly used through American government documents and foreign policy strategies, is ill-defined and does not account for how overseas development interventions contribute to American national security objectives. Arguing against compartmentalization and narrow understandings of what constitutes peace and security work, Kachra instead urges specialists and policymakers to adopt a broader, more holistic approach when considering strategic objectives. An insightful examination by a career development expert, Peace and Security in Kenya offers a fresh approach at a significant time in global affairs.

Review Quotes

"Galeeb Kachra offers a compelling way forward for US Peace and Security programming. In this engaging blend of memoir, case studies, and textbook, Kachra shows how agile and catalytic political assistance can help to build a more robust judiciary and finalize a new constitution. The book takes on tough issues like land reform and countering violent extremism with a fresh and grounded perspective."--Ambassador Rick Barton, former Assistant Secretary of State and author of Peace Works: America's Unifying Role in A Turbulent World

"Peace and Security in Kenya: The USAID Approach is an essential reading for those who want to debate the pros and cons of abolishing USAID. Convinced that USAID has not had a fair appreciation from pundits and some members of the political class, Galeeb Kachra insightfully reviews the agency's work in Kenya. He debunks the thinking that USAID benefits other countries at the expense of the United States and skillfully illustrates its role in securing peace and security for Americans. Kachra, a "grounded practical pragmatic," offers unique experience as a former official of USAID. He provides thoughtful insights on impactful operational work done to counter violent extremism, combat HIV/AIDS, and reflect on contentious land issues (mother earth) among other important initiatives for sociopolitical development. Ultimately, this nuanced and engaging book is about Kenyan peace and security within the framework of American foreign assistance. Students and general readers, especially those with interests in international development will greatly appreciate his use of personal insights to explore complexities in judicial reforms, democratic transitions, civil society initiatives, and activism for Kenya's benefit. To me, this is a fresh insight in the narrative on the work of government and the public value of USAID's enduring mission."--Eric E. Otenyo, professor of politics and international affairs, Northern Arizona University

About the Author

Galeeb Kachra spent a decade with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) including six years as the Deputy Country Representative in USAID's Office of Transition Initiatives in Kenya. He has previously published an anthology How I Changed the World in My Own Unique Ways and I Also Can't Breathe: But This Jury Hangs.