ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR KENYA'S NATIONAL SECURITY

Abstract

Kenya’s national security framework is increasingly challenged by internal issues that are not rooted in armed conflict or terrorism, but rather in the deteriorating relationship between human activity and the environment (BGS, 2023; NEMA, 2022). This study is driven by the urgent need to understand how toxic exposures are undermining Kenya's human security and threatening national stability. It adopts an interdisciplinary approach, drawing from environmental science, public health, security studies, and governance frameworks, to present a comprehensive analysis of the toxicological threats facing the country. By identifying the links between pollution and insecurity, the study aims to contribute to policy formulation, risk mitigation strategies, and improved national resilience. Employing a qualitative meta-synthesis grounded in the PRISMA framework, the research delineates pollution on different sectors in the country. By analysing multiple domains such as public health, food and water systems, youth vulnerability, military readiness, and governance, the research demonstrates how environmental toxins compromise Kenya’s ability to ensure the safety, stability, and sustainability of its people and institutions. Ultimately, it argues that environmental toxicology must be integrated into national security planning if Kenya is to safeguard its population, environment, and sovereignty. In doing so, it offers a fresh lens through which to interpret and respond to Kenya’s 21st-century security challenges. This paper fills a gap in understanding how environmental toxicology translates into tangible national security risks in developing contexts like Kenya.