Community Based Strategies and the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Proliferation in West Pokot County, Kenya
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Date
2023
Authors
Matiko, Chris Nyamohangah
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta university
Abstract
This study's main goal was to determine how well community-based tactics were
working to stop the spread of small guns in West Pokot County, Kenya. The frequency
and effects of the spread of small arms and light weapons on communities among the
Pokot people of Kenya served as the impetus for this study. Local communities in West
Pokot have suffered a great deal as a result of the spread of small arms and light weapons,
including deaths, evictions, and regional instability. The following goals guided the
research: Assesses the prevalence of Small Arms and Light Weapons, evaluates the
effectiveness of community-based strategies for reducing Small Arms and Light
Weapons, analyse the community's perspective on community-based strategies for
reducing Small Arms and Light Weapons, and assesses the challenges confronting
community-based approaches to reducing Small Arms and Light Weapons in West Pokot
County. The Social Conflict Theory and the System Theory of Conflict have influenced
this work. A mixed-methods study design was used in this study. All National Police
officers, Assistant County Commissioners, County Assembly members, members of the
Community Policing Commission, prominent community whistle-blowers, and members
of the public were the subjects of this investigation. The total target population was
621,434. This study employed both probability and non-probability sampling techniques.
This survey had a sample size of 197 people. Data was gathered through key informant
interviews, focus groups, and questionnaires. The quantitative data was analysed using
the Statistical Package for Social Scientists software, while the qualitative data was coded
and analyzed using analytic induction. The results of the study were then tabulated using
percentages, frequencies, and pie charts. Graphic and interactive timelines were used to
display qualitative data and show how the history of small arms and light weapons has
developed over time. The results of this study indicated that West Pokot County and the
nearby areas have a problem with small arms and light weapons. This is because
neighbouring nations like South Sudan, Uganda, Ethiopia, and even Somalia have been
used to import small arms and light weapons. The study also showed that the use of small
arms and light weapons was influenced by racial stereotypes, historical rivalries, rites of
passage, and economic marginalization. The study also confirmed that competing in
sports like football and racing could serve as a substitute for maintaining security in West
Pokot. These activities ease tensions, offer constructive outlets, foster trust, improve
social cohesiveness, and promote both physical and mental health. According to the
report, Kenya, especially its rangelands, has experienced periodic conflict and unrest
because of regular availability to small guns. According to the study's findings, West
Pokot County has successfully reduced the use of small arms and light weapons. The
researcher identifies more gaps for scholars to interrogate for sustainable peace to be
achieved in the west Pokot County region.
Description
A Project Report Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of
the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of
Master of Arts in Peace and Conflict Management in
the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences of
Kenyatta University
Keywords
Small Arms and Light Weapons, West Pokot County, Kenya