Ethnic Dynamics and Security in Baringo County, Kenya
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Date
2024-11
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Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Baringo County, situated in Kenya's North Rift Valley region, has historically grappled with protracted conflicts. However, limited academic research has explored the relationship between ethnic dynamics and the county's security landscape. This study aimed to address this gap by investigating the interplay between ethnic dynamics and security within Baringo County. The study wase guided by three objectives: Analyse the effect of identity politics on security in Baringo County; Examine the influence of ethnic economic activities on security in Baringo County; and explore the best mechanism to address ethnic dynamism in Baringo county to enhance security. Instrumental theory and the Primodalist theory were utilized for the study. This study employed a descriptive survey design utilizing a mixed methods approach for data collection. This approach combined qualitative and quantitative data collection methods to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the research phenomenon. The target population was comprised residents of Baringo County who had resided there for at least ten years. To ensure a representative sample, a multi-stage sampling approach was employed. Questionnaire and interview guides were the main source of data collection. Qualitative data was analysed thematically while quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics and presented using frequency distributions tables and graphs. The findings from the two sets of tools were triangulated to obtain a thick description on the relationship between ethnic dynamic and security. This study found that, there were four effects of identity politics on security in Baringo County, Kenya: fragmentation and polarization of communities, conflict and violence between communities, radicalization and extremism community members and diversion of resources from the localities. This study also found that, there were four influences of ethnic traditional economic activities on security in Baringo County, Kenya: resource competition and conflict, livelihood dependence and vulnerability, cultural identity and resilience and community cohesion and cooperation. And lastly the study found that, there are four best mechanisms to address ethnic dynamism in Baringo county to enhance security, Kenya: Economic development and equity, long-term peacebuilding strategies, promotion of dialogue and understanding, and protection of minority rights. The study concludes on the pivotal role of economic development and equity initiatives in mitigating disparities and reducing competition over resources that often fuel ethnic tensions. Secondly, it advocates for long-term peacebuilding strategies that foster sustainable reconciliation and cooperation among communities, addressing root causes of conflict. A major recommendation would be to prioritize inclusive governance frameworks that actively involve diverse community stakeholders in decision-making processes.
Description
A Research Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillmet for the Award of Masters in Security Science and Management, School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences, in the Department of Security, Diplomacy and Peace Studies, Kenyatta University, November 2024.
Supervisor
Merecia Sirera