County Peace Committees and Peace Building in Kenya: A Case of Nairobi City County

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Date
2023
Authors
Walobwa, Dennis Ndalira
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
The study's objective was to investigate the role of local peace committees in fostering peace in Nairobi City County, Kenya's Kibra Sub-County. In Kenya and many other countries, local players in peace building have not been receiving formal recognition, especially for their roles in preventing conflicts. The study contended that most conflicts had failed to be resolved due to overreliance on Western instruments of conflict resolution. The objectives of the study; Identified how the Local Peace Committee’s Conflict Early Warning Reports affect peace-building efforts in Kibra Sub-County, analyzed the methods used by the Local Peace Committees to promote capacity-building initiatives in Kibra Sub-County, investigated how the Local Peace Committees make use of local dispute resolution mechanisms to build peace in Kibra Sub County and examined the effects of addressing issues of discrimination by the Local Peace Committee on Peace Building in Kibra Sub-County. The basis of the study was structural violence theory by Johan Galtung which explains why violence that is found in the structures causes more conflict than direct violence. A mixed methods research design was used for the study, with a target population of 118 and a sample of 59 chosen specifically to participate. Questionnaires, a guide for in-depth interviews, an observation, and a document analysis guide were used to collect data from the field. The SPSS package was used to analyze and present quantitative data in the form of percentages and frequencies in tables, pie charts, and graphs. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically and interpreting the themes.The study established that Local Peace Committees promoting sustainable peace in conflict-affected areas. The findings provide insights into the key factors that contribute to successful peacebuilding initiatives, including the use of conflict early warning reports, capacity-building strategies, and addressing issues of discrimination. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the key factors that contribute to successful peacebuilding initiatives, including the use of Conflict Early Warning Reports, capacity-building strategies, and addressing issues of discrimination. These findings have implications for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers working to promote sustainable peace in conflict-affected areas. The study recommends that: Local Peace Committees should prioritize Conflict Early Warning Reports to prevent violent conflicts. Committees should communicate with authorities to respond immediately to early warning reports. Community leaders should learn conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and mediation. Peace organizations in all communities should promote sub-county peacebuilding. Discourse, advocacy, and community engagement should confront discrimination. This decreases confrontations and fosters community harmony. Committees should promote diversity and inclusion to build community. Local Peace Committees require government money and technical support. They can operate sustainably. Poverty, unemployment, and marginalization fuel tensions. Study Local Peace Committees' effects on other conflict-affected areas. This can help find good methods and lessons for different situations.
Description
A Project Report Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirement for the Award of the Degree of Master of Science in Security Strategic Studies in the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences of Kenyatta University
Keywords
County Peace, Peace Building, Kenya, Nairobi City County
Citation