MST-School of Security, Diplomacy and Peace Studies

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Browsing MST-School of Security, Diplomacy and Peace Studies by Author "Abdi Adan Tawane"

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    The Nile Basin Initiative and the Transformation of Mara River Basin Water Conflict between Kenya and Tanzania
    (Kenyatta U niversity, 2024-06) Abdi Adan Tawane
    Regional institutions play a key role in the management of transboundary natural resources; they have been imperative in addressing unequal distribution, poor use and management, depletion and degradation of water resources; which if left unresolved could breed a potential for occurrence of conflicts, tensions and social unrest. Institutions help to build a common end goal that is geared towards management of these shared resources. This research focuses on the role of the Nile Basin Initiative in the management of xi transboundary water-related conflicts. The goal of the research was to assess how the Nile Basin Initiative through water security, dialogue in peace keeping, cooperative planning process has influenced transboundary conflicts between Kenya and Tanzania over the Mara River. Specifically, it analysed different aspects of the water security as a result of Nile Basin Initiative and its intervention in the Mara transboundary conflict; examine the peace building capability of Nile Basin Initiative in the Mara River Conflict and how it has fostered cooperation in shared transboundary water resources; and explored the challenges experienced by the NBI in the Mara River Conflict. To achieve this, the study utilized both the theories of Liberal institutionalism and Neo-functionalism to put the issue of institutions and transboundary conflict management into perspective. Primary data was acquired through household interviews and an interview schedule for key informants. The study found out that majority of the people living along the riparian states have been adversely affected by the water conflicts over the years. Increased population depletes the regions already low water supplies as demand from agriculture, industry, and domestic use rises. Kenya has gained a bigger share of Mara resources and authority. The successful handling of water resource conflict and resolving existing issues have not been completely successful between Kenya and Tanzania. After numerous conversations, hopes of achieving an agreement on the "water security" provision are fruitless. There are still a number of obstacles to overcome, including: a lack of financial support, local residents' ignorance of the issue and a lack of knowledge of the relevant skills, peace and security, and access to the remote areas. The study recommended that the communities should give environmental management first attention in order to safeguard the available water supplies and devise practical ways to adapt to and lessen the consequences of climate change. Subregional organizations should contact groups such as UNEP to work closely with them to include and integrate water issues into established protocols and programs of action. Inclusion of water issues in the protocols and frameworks of the various sub-regional organizations.