Inter-Ethnic Conflicts: Trends, Causes, Effects And Interventions In Rumuruti Division Of Laikipia County, Kenya (1963 – 2010)

ABSTRACT

The study focuses on the historical trends, causes, effects and interventions to inter-ethnic conflicts in Rumuruti Division of Laikipia County, Kenya between 1963 and 2010. The objectives of study included: tracing the historical trends, investigating the causes of inter-ethnic conflicts; examining their effects on food security as well as the intervention measures. The study is significant because inter-ethnic conflicts impact on the communities’ livelihoods as well as national stability and development. The Incompatibility of Plural Society Theory by Furnivall and Smith (1997) and Greed versus Grievance Theory by Collier and Hoeffler (2004) were used to interpret the findings of the study. Literature was reviewed at international, regional, Kenya, Rift Valley and Rumuruti in Laikipia County and guided by the research objectives. Literature review focused on inter-ethnic conflicts as supported by the theoretical framework with key attention to relevance and research gaps. Data was gathered from both primary and secondary sources. The sample population was 100 respondents drawn from a research population of 78,930 (GoK, 2009) in Rumuruti Division of Laikipia County. Primary data was gathered by administering questionnaires, interviews and by examining archival documents and government official reports. The respondents were selected using random and purposive sampling methods. Secondary data was sourced from articles in newspapers, journals, books from public and university libraries including theses. Online sources were also used. The study employed qualitative method of data collection and analysis. Data presentation was done using descriptive statistics such as frequency tables, pie charts and line graphs where applicable. The study found out that competing interest on land resource utilization has prevailed since the colonial period. Competition for socio-economic resources among and between communities ranked high as a main cause of inter-ethnic conflicts in Rumuruti Division of Laikipia County. This indicates that if the state policy of marginalization in the region could be effectively addressed, these inter-ethnic conflicts would be reduced. Inter-ethnic conflicts have an adverse effect on the communities’ food security. However, if natural factors are not sufficiently addressed food insecurity will subsist. Integrated stakeholders approach is a robust method to mitigate inter-ethnic conflicts. However, legitimacy and effective legality to these approaches remain a big challenge.