Women in peace building and reconciliation, crossborder conflicts between Luo and Kipsigis: the case of upper Nyakach and Sigowet Divisions, 1885-1992.

Abstract

The purpose of this study will be to assess the participation of Luo and Kipsigis women in peace building and reconciliation in cross border conflicts between the Luo of Upper Nyakach and Kipsigis of Sigowet Kericho West District from 1885-1992. The research will be guided by four objectives. The first objective is to identify some of the pre-colonial conflicts and examine the modalities of building peace between the two communities in pre-colonial times. The second objective is to examine the participation and contributions of women to the interethnic cross border conflicts between Luo of upper Nyakach and Kipsigis of Sogowet in pre colonial times. Thirdly, the study will analyse the roles and position of Luo and Kipsigis women in the peace and reconciliation processes in Upper Nyakach and Sigowet border clashes during colonial times. The fourth is to identify changes that have taken place in women's participation in peace building and reconciliation in Upper Nyakach and Sigowet in post colonial conflicts. The research will be undertaken in two Divisions namely Upper Nyakach, Nyakach District and Sigowet, Kericho West District. The study will employ qualitative methods of study. Oral interviews will be undertaken to collect primary data. Primary sources will be gathered from oral-in-depth interviews and archives. Secondary sources will include mainly published books, theses, seminar papers among others. The target population will be selected using purposive sampling and snowballing techniques. Gender theory will be used to explain the role of women in peace keeping and reconciliation. Finally, the data from various sources will be sub divided into themes and corroborated chronologically.