The role of electronic strategies on Effective border migration control in Kenya

Abstract

In the recent past, many countries have begun to assess and evaluate their cross border procedures and modern innovations in information and communications technology (ICT) that have significant potentials in enhancing this cross border procedures. For nations that have established their own regional cooperation they have been able to embark on harmonizing their cross border policies and strategies so as to have secure and efficient movement of people and goods. The study sought to evaluate the important role of ICT strategies in harmonizing and standardizing cross border procedures and thereby improving the immigration systems. The study evaluated the role of electronic strategies on effective border migration control in Kenya. The target population of this study was 500 employees from the Ministry of State for Immigration and Registration of Person, Head Office in Nairobi. Stratified random sampling was used, based on the current departments of the Ministry the strata was formed. Respondents were identified by simple random sampling and a questionnaire was issued to them. The sample size was 100 forming 20% of the target population. One of the key findings was that employees at immigration department were concerned with the cross border migration controls. The findings indicated that the department had electronic methods of verification of visa; electronic methods of visa processing were more reliable than semi manual or fully manual processes. The findings also revealed that it is easier to track passports and visa utilization. Results showed that e-verification systems influenced cross border migration control in Kenya. The study concluded that Electronic visa application is a key determinant of cross border migration control at Kenya immigration authority and e-verification systems influenced border migration controls in Kenya. It was possible to conclude that all departments had E-verification systems and systems were capable of verifying all passports, the entry and exit recording systems influenced cross border migration controls and that there were effective strategies put in place at entry and exit points of cross border to curb movement of persons to and from the country. The study recommended to the immigration department management to ensure that all the electronic visa application system is upgraded with the technological changes taking place in the whole world. It is also recommended that the management conducts a market survey of the technological facilities in use in other public institutions so as to minimize corruption and fraudulent activities. It is recommended to the management that they ensure the staff are competent enough and have the technical knowledge on the use of verification systems and machines. It is also recommended that all employees should have a sense of urgency in attending to visitors who enter immigration offices and ensure they pass through scanners for security verification. The study also recommends that the management ensures that the employees are well paid and remunerated to curb corruption and fraud cases.