Joint Disarmament Programs between Kenya and Uganda and Cross-Border Security of Nomadic Pastoralist’s Communities Living along the Turkwel River Belt

Abstract

This research project focused on the border conflict between the Turkana of Kenya and the Pokot of Uganda along the Turkwel River Belt and the government’s disarmament initiative to sustain peace and security of the two communities. Three objectives were the focal point of the study and these include; exploring the security state and cross-border disarmament campaigns and the recurring security challenges that face cross-border disarmament campaign along the Turkwel River Belt Secondly, examining the inter-governmental policy measures. Finally, exploring roles played by professionals and community elites in cross-border disarmament. Background information on the border security issues and other relevant information to problematize the study were retrieved through a literature review. The theory of cooperative security was used to underpin and weave different elements of this study. Two designs, namely, explorative and historical, were used to gather both new and historical information. The target population included, citizen, security agencies, ministry, community leaders and professional from all areas. Primary and secondary research was applied in equal measure to support in collecting adequate data for the study subject. Primary research focused on interviews, questionnaires, and observation as tools for data collection targeting different research informants and respondents ranging from county and sub-county officers, national government officials, community professionals and elites, community residents, and respondents from non-governmental organizations and international bodies. Based on the outcome of the study, the cause of the conflict was majorly associated with high poverty index and major focus to pastoralism rather than diversifying to other socio-economic activities as part of the strategy to protect regional integration. A lot of challenges have been experienced in the disarmament process hindering efforts to pacify the area. Through multi-agency approach, the region is slowly diversifying to other socio-economic activities which may in the long run yield sustainable peace. The study recommends a multi-sector approach and engagement to address conflict challenges and disarmament process of the communities along the Turkwel River Belt. A future study on the role of women in conflict resolution and peacekeeping among the Pokot in Uganda and Turkana in Kenya has also been suggested as part of the diplomacy measures to strengthen relations.