Browsing by Author "Kithuka, Ruth Ndinda"

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    Police intervention strategies and management of land-related conflicts in Kilifi County, Kenya
    (Kenyatta University, 2025-06) Kithuka, Ruth Ndinda
    This study aimed to assess police intervention strategies and their influence in addressing landrelated conflicts in Kilifi County, Kenya. Kilifi has long experienced persistent land disputes, largely driven by historical land injustices, weak governance, and socio-economic vulnerabilities, making it a compelling context for examining the intersection of crime prevention, conflict resolution, and community engagement. The study was guided by five objectives: to examine the causes of land-related conflicts; the role of police-led mediation; the effectiveness of enforcement strategies; the impact of public awareness; and the role of intelligence collection in the management of land disputes. A cross-sectional survey design and a mixed-methods approach were employed. Quantitative data were collected from 118 purposively selected respondents including police officers, local officials, and community representatives—through structured questionnaires. Qualitative data were obtained through interviews with chiefs, religious leaders, victims, and suspected perpetrators of land-related conflicts. Data were analyzed thematically and descriptively. Findings show that historical land injustices, poverty, political incitement, and weak land governance are key drivers of conflict in Kilifi. On police-led mediation, the study found it to be a practical and widely relied-on strategy, especially in cases falling outside police jurisdiction. Mediation was seen as useful due to its accessibility, lower cost compared to legal proceedings, ability to de-escalate tensions quickly, and acceptance by community members when facilitated through local leadership. Enforcement strategies—including arrests, eviction warrants, and criminal investigations—played a critical role in containing conflicts, although hindered by legal and political challenges. Public awareness campaignns helped reduce conflicts by educating communities on legal rights and procedures. Intelligence gathering was found to be crucial for identifying organized land crime and preventing escalations. The study concludes that police interventions are essential in managing land-related conflicts in Kilifi County, but their effectiveness is limited by systemic and resource-related constraints. A holistic strategy that strengthens informal mediation, boosts legal awareness, enhances intelligence capacities, and aligns enforcement with local realities is necessary for sustainable conflict resolution.
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    Police Intervention Strategies and Management of Land-Related Conflicts in Kilifi County, Kenya
    (RSIS International, 2025-08) Kithuka, Ruth Ndinda; Musili, Phelista M.
    Land-related conflicts in Kilifi County, Kenya, rooted in historical injustices and socio-economic pressures, frequently escalate into criminal acts, necessitating police intervention. This study examines the impact and efficacy of police intervention strategies in managing these disputes, focusing on their dual role in enforcement and informal mediation. Employing a mixed-methods and a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 118 respondents—police officers, local government officials, and community representatives—via questionnaires and interviews. Findings reveal that criminal arrests (41%) and eviction warrants (29%) dominate enforcement strategies, achieving moderate success in de-escalating immediate violence (e.g., 40.5% agreement on warrant execution efficacy). However, challenges such as organized crime (36.2%), resource constraints, and limited legal authority hinder long-term resolution. Mediation emerges as a vital informal strategy, fostering community trust, yet its effectiveness is curtailed by inadequate training and systemic issues. Grounded in Conflict Theory, the study highlights the need to address structural drivers (e.g., land tenure insecurity) alongside enforcement. Recommendations include enhanced police training, resource allocation, and expedited judicial processes to improve outcomes. This research contributes to understanding police adaptability in complex conflict settings, offering insights for policy reform in Kilifi County and similar contexts.