The Nile Basin Initiative and the Transformation of Mara River Basin Water Conflict between Kenya and Tanzania
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Date
2024-06
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Kenyatta U niversity
Abstract
Regional institutions play a key role in the management of transboundary natural resources;
they have been imperative in addressing unequal distribution, poor use and management,
depletion and degradation of water resources; which if left unresolved could breed a
potential for occurrence of conflicts, tensions and social unrest. Institutions help to build a
common end goal that is geared towards management of these shared resources. This
research focuses on the role of the Nile Basin Initiative in the management of
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transboundary water-related conflicts. The goal of the research was to assess how the Nile
Basin Initiative through water security, dialogue in peace keeping, cooperative planning
process has influenced transboundary conflicts between Kenya and Tanzania over the Mara
River. Specifically, it analysed different aspects of the water security as a result of Nile
Basin Initiative and its intervention in the Mara transboundary conflict; examine the peace
building capability of Nile Basin Initiative in the Mara River Conflict and how it has
fostered cooperation in shared transboundary water resources; and explored the challenges
experienced by the NBI in the Mara River Conflict. To achieve this, the study utilized both
the theories of Liberal institutionalism and Neo-functionalism to put the issue of
institutions and transboundary conflict management into perspective. Primary data was
acquired through household interviews and an interview schedule for key informants. The
study found out that majority of the people living along the riparian states have been
adversely affected by the water conflicts over the years. Increased population depletes the
regions already low water supplies as demand from agriculture, industry, and domestic use
rises. Kenya has gained a bigger share of Mara resources and authority. The successful
handling of water resource conflict and resolving existing issues have not been completely
successful between Kenya and Tanzania. After numerous conversations, hopes of
achieving an agreement on the "water security" provision are fruitless. There are still a
number of obstacles to overcome, including: a lack of financial support, local residents'
ignorance of the issue and a lack of knowledge of the relevant skills, peace and security,
and access to the remote areas. The study recommended that the communities should give
environmental management first attention in order to safeguard the available water supplies
and devise practical ways to adapt to and lessen the consequences of climate change. Subregional organizations should contact groups such as UNEP to work closely with them to
include and integrate water issues into established protocols and programs of action.
Inclusion of water issues in the protocols and frameworks of the various sub-regional
organizations.
Description
A Research Project Submitted to the School of Law, Arts And Social Sciences for the Award of Degree of Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy of Kenyatta University. June, 2024
Supervisor
Dr. Peter Wafula Wekesa
Department: International Relations, Conflict and Strategic Studies
Kenyatta University