SECURITY MANAGEMENT, STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP, SHARED STRATEGIC GOALS, AND STATE PERFORMANCE IN THE ETHIOPIA–KENYA BORDERLANDS: EVIDENCE FROM THE MOYALE CORRIDOR

Purpose of the Study: This study examined the association between security management, strategic leadership, shared strategic goals, and state performance in the Ethiopia–Kenya borderlands, focusing on the Moyale corridor. Problem Statement: Despite bilateral security cooperation and investment in border infrastructure, localized conflict, livestock theft, resource competition, unequal development benefits, and limited community participation remain concerns. The study investigated whether the three dimensions of cooperation are associated with stronger state performance. Methodology: A descriptive mixed-methods design was used. Sixty-four valid questionnaires were analysed, supplemented by open-ended responses from 37 respondents, two focus group discussions involving eight participants, and secondary documents. Quantitative analysis included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression; qualitative data were analysed thematically and triangulated. Results of the Study: The regression model was statistically significant, F(3, 60) = 38.00, p < .001, and explained 67.7% of the variance in state performance (R² = .677; adjusted R² = .646). Security management was the strongest standardized predictor (β = .438, p < .001), followed by strategic leadership (β = .372, p < .001) and shared strategic goals (β = .278, p = .004). Participants also reported improvements in security, trade facilitation, and institutional coordination, alongside concerns about unequal benefits and limited consultation. Conclusion: The findings indicate that stronger state performance is associated with integrated security operations, sustained bilateral leadership, and aligned strategic priorities. Policy Recommendation: Governments should strengthen community consultation, equitable access to development benefits, women's representation, and collaboration with locally legitimate customary institutions. The cross-sectional design supports interpretation as association rather than causation. Keywords: Borderlands, Ethiopia–Kenya Relations, Security Management, Strategic Leadership, Shared Strategic Goals, State Performance