The Role Of United States Agency For International Development In Promoting Womens’ Peace Building Activities: A Case Of Nakuru County, 1991-2013.

ABSTRACT

Conflict in Nakuru has been studied throughout the years. It has attracted the attention of

several international and local scholars. However most studies have focused on general

factors that have contributed to the conflict and few studies have looked at the role of

international agencies in promoting women peace building activities. Consequently, the

study examined the response of international agencies to conflict in Nakuru County.

Specifically, it integrated the role of USAID in promoting peace building activities in

Nakuru County. The objectives of the study were: to examine the factors that motivated

USAID to promote women’s peace building activities in Nakuru County, to analyze the

nature of support provided by USAID towards women peace building activities in Nakuru

County and to assess the impacts of USAID’s work on women peace building activities in

Nakuru County. The study was based on the following research premises: suffering among

women and children due to politically motivated violence led USAID to focus on women

peace building activities in Nakuru County, USAID has supported women’s peace building

efforts in Nakuru County through political education and mobilization and USAID’s

support for women’s peace building activities has enabled more women to get leadership

positions in Nakuru County. The study is based on the social capital theory and African

feminist theory. The target population for the study comprised NGOs involved in peace

building in Nakuru County with support from the USAID, peace volunteers affiliated to

these NGOs, women’s grassroots organizations in the County and current and former

USAID’s staff involved in peace building activities in the County between 1991 and 2013.

Six 6 constituencies of Nakuru County were selected for study. The study used purposive

sampling techniques. A total of 62 persons who included key informants and focus group

discussion participants took part in the study. The study relied on both primary and

secondary sources of data. Questionnaires with both closed and open-ended questions were

used and focus group discussion guides as well as interview schedules. Secondary data was

obtained from journals, books and NGOs documents. The study was carried out in Nakuru

County. The study may contribute to the understanding of the role of international

organizations in peace building. Non Governmental Organizations may also benefit from the study as a reference document.