The impact of peace committees on conflict transformation: a case of Ng'arua division, Laikipia county

Abstract

The quest for peace has generated many strategies. One such strategy is the model of peace committees. This is largely a hybrid structure that borrows heavily from indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms and modem formal dispute arbitration process. Peace committees have had commendable achievements despite the avalanche of challenges they face. Peace committees use peace barazas, peace dialogues and peace caravans among other avenues to ventilate conflict. This study seeks to investigate how these variables: peace barazas, peace dialogues and peace caravans impact conflict transformation. The specific objectives of the study are; to determine how peace barazas impact conflict transformation, investigate how peace dialogues impact conflict transformation and investigate how peace caravans impact conflict transformation. The study will be carried out in Ng'arua division of Laikipia County. The researcher will adopt a descriptive survey design. The study population will be 50 Respondents, made up of 16 members of location peace committees, 4 members of the Ng'arua sub-District intelligence committee and 30 community members from three sampled locations. The researcher will use questionnaires to collect data. Before the actual data collection, a pilot study will be conducted on the questionnaires. Quantitative data will be analyzed using SPSS whereby measures of central tendency will be determined. Presentation of results will be done using committees and indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms. Moreover, the study will be useful to both local and national leadership in designing trainings for members of peace committees. It will provide invaluable information to policy makers, donor agencies and Non-Governmental Organizations. The study will contribute to the literature of the relatively new field of peace committees