Role of culture on peace building in Kenya: the case of Marsabit Lake -Turkana cultural festival, Marsabit County.
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Date
2017
Authors
Orinde, Stephen
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
This study primarily sought to explore the role of culture on peace building in Kenya, a case of
Marsabit - Lake Turkana Cultural Festival in Loiyangalani Sub County of Marsabit County. The
study targeted the fourteen communities that form the bulk of the larger Marsabit County‟s
populace. The objectives of the study included examining the social, political and economic factors
that contribute to inter-ethnic conflicts. It also discussed the origin and development, of Marsabit-
Lake Turkana Cultural Festival (MLTCF) in Marsabit County. Similarly, the study examined the
impact of Marsabit-Lake Turkana Cultural Festival as a peace building initiative in Loiyangalani
Sub-County. It also assessed other peace building initiatives in the area of study that complement the
MLTCF.
The targeted population for the study comprised of the inhabitants of the sampled communities in
Loiyangalani Sub-County in Marsabit County. The study applied the protracted social conflict
theory by Edward Azar to examine the root causes of conflicts in the study area, the effects and
approaches of addressing these conflicts.
For the purpose of data collection, the study targeted the opinion leaders, village/community elders,
community based organizations, the youth, government security officers, the county government
officials and the international partners involved in the cultural festival like the German Embassy and
the Pastoralist Integrated Support Program (PISP). The study equally employed purposive sampling
techniques in identifying respondents. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect qualitative
data that was then analyzed appropriately.
The findings from this study clearly indicate that there is a positive correlation between culture and
peace building. The indicators used to assess this relationship clearly demonstrate that positive
cultural practices like cultural festivals promote and enhance peace, social cohesion as well as socioeconomic
development among communities in Marsabit county.
Description
A research project submitted to the school of humanities and social sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of the degree of master of arts in peace and conflict studies November 2017