About
Wafula Okumu is a distinguished scholar and practitioner in peace, security, governance, regional integration and borders with extensive experience in international civil service. As Executive Director of The Borders Institute, he leads initiatives on transforming borders from barriers into bridges of peaceful coexistence. His impactful career includes teaching at various universities around the world and senior roles with the United Nations and the African Union, where he built capacities and advised on critical policy. His current research, focusing on quantifying dividends of peaceful borders and reimaging African borders, is underpinned by rigorous research and practical application. Dr Okumu's expertise spans African politics, peace studies, and international relations.
Region of focus:
- Africa
Expertise:
- Borders, regional integration, peace, security and governance
Selected Key Publications:
Books
Okumu, W. & Atta-Asamoah, A. (eds). (2023). The African Union at 20: African Perspectives on Progress, Challenges and Prospects. Institute for Security Studies, Pretoria.
Makinda, S., Okumu, F.W. & Mickler, D. (2015). The African Union: Addressing the Challenges of Peace, Security, and Governance. Routledge, London and New York.
Okumu, W. & Ikelegbe, A. (eds). (2010). Militias, Rebels and Islamist Militants: Human Insecurity and State Crises in Africa. Institute for Security Studies, Pretoria.
Makinda, S. & Okumu, F.W. (2008). The African Union: Challenges of Globalization, Security, and Governance. Routledge, London and New York.
Kaiser, P. & Okumu, F.W. (eds). (2004). Democratic Transitions in East Africa. Ashgate Publishers.
Monographs
Okumu, W. (2022). Managing Smooth Transfer and Peaceful Transition of Power in Africa: A Get Ready to Govern Guide. Hans Seidel Foundation, Nairobi.
Okumu, W., Atta-Asamoah, A., & Sharamo, RD. (2020). Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2020: achievements, opportunities and challenges, ISS Publications, September 29.
Okumu, W., & Botha, A. (eds). (2009). Domestic Terrorism in Africa, ISS Publications, Pretoria, January.
Okumu, W., & Botha, A. (eds). (2008). Understanding Terrorism in Africa: Building Bridges and Overcoming the Gaps in Understanding Terrorism in Africa, ISS Publications, Pretoria, May.
Okumu, W., & Botha, A. (eds). (2007). Understanding Terrorism in Africa: In Search For An African 'Voice', ISS Publications, Pretoria, January.
Selected Book Chapters
Okumu, W. (2026). “Mapping Trouble—Unpacking Africa’s Border Disputes,” in Oxford Research Encyclopedia of International Studies, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Okumu, W. (2023). "Addressing Challenges of Peace and Security," in Okumu & Atta-Asamoah (eds), The African Union at 20, ISS, Pretoria.
Makinda, SM., & Okumu, W. (2022). "The African Union as a Human Security Arrangement," in Oberleitner (ed.), Research Handbook on International Law and Human Security, Edward Elgar Publishing.
Okumu, F.W. & Makinda, S. (2013). "Engaging with Contemporary Africa: Key Contexts for External Actors," in Mickler & Lyons (eds), New Engagements—Contemporary Australian Foreign Policy Towards Africa, MU Publishing.
Okumu, W. (2010). "Social Charter for East African Community," in Ajul (ed.), Integrating East Africa Region.
Okumu, W. (2009). "CSOs, Post-conflict Reconstruction and Peace-building in Africa," in Shillinger (ed.), Africa's Peacemaker? Lessons from South African Conflict Mediation, SAIIA.
Okumu, W. (2009). "Purposes and Functions of International Boundaries," in AU Practical Handbook on Delimitation and Demarcation of Boundaries, African Union.
Okumu, W. (2008). "The Tragedy of the African Environment," in Kieh (ed.), Africa and the Third Millennium, Africa World Press.
Okumu, W. (2007). "Counterterrorism Measures in East African Community," in Le Sage (ed.), African Counterterrorism Cooperation, African Center for Strategic Studies.
Okumu, W. (2004). "Human Rights in Transitional Societies," in Schnabel & Horowitz (eds), Human Rights and Societies in Transition, Tokyo: UNU Press.
Okumu, F.W. (2001). "Ethnic Politics and the Decay of the Kenyan State," in Udogu (ed.), The Issue of Political Ethnicity in Africa, Ashgate.
Selected Journal Articles
Okumu, W. (2010). “Resources and Border Disputes in Eastern Africa,” Journal of Eastern African Studies, June.
Okumu, W. (2009). “The African Union: Pitfalls and Prospects for Uniting Africa,” Journal of International Affairs, Spring.
Okumu, W. (2007). “Challenges and Prospects for Peace in the Great Lakes Region of Africa,” African Security Review, vol. 16, no. 1.
Okumu, F.W. (2003). “Humanitarian International NGOs and African Conflicts,” International Peacekeeping, Spring.
Newspaper op-eds
Okumu, W. (2026). The Moving Cheese: Why Africa Must Cure Its Addiction to External Saviors, Pan African Visions, April 9.
Okumu, W. (2026). The African Union’s Crisis of Consistency: A Test of Principled Leadership, Ideas Indaba, Amani Africa, March 4.
Okumu, W. (2026). It’s Time for Africa to Erase Colonialism’s Final Scar, Pan African Visions, January 17.
Okumu, W. (2025). Somaliland: Why is AU contradicting its own report? The East African, December 28.
Okumu, W. (2025). Extorting air passengers will kill tourism, the goose that lays golden eggs, The East African, August 26.
Okumu, W. (2025). African Borders Beyond Berlin-We Must Ensure Our Borders Serve African Interests, Not Those of Europeans and Foreigners, Pan African Visions, February 19.
Okumu, W. (2025). Is African Union Missing in Action? African Newspage, March 13.
Okumu, W. (2025). The Unrecognized State: Somaliland’s 30-Year Stand Against Africa’s Iron Law of Borders, African Newspage, November 14.
Okumu, W. (2024). Will ECOWAS Weather The ECOUT Storm? Pan African Visions, April 26.
Okumu, W. (2024). The price Raila must pay for the African Union job. Daily Nation,
February 17.
Okumu, W., & Kurgat, PK. (2023), County boundary disputes: Existential threat to Kenya's national cohesion and peace. Daily Nation, September 12.
Okumu, W. (2023). AU@20: How AU can better serve African people in the next 30 years. Pan African Visions, May 9.
Mukhwana, B., & Okumu, W. (2021). ICJ judgment creates tough decisions for future relations of Kenya and Somalia, The East African, October 16.
Okumu, W. (2009). Migingo dispute: Replace politicians with experts, The East African, April 10.
Okumu, W. (2009). Migingo row tip of the iceberg on border disputes. Daily Nation, March 16.