The Kenya Red Cross Society and Peacebuilding Initiatives amongst Pokot and Tugen Communities in Baringo County, Kenya, 1978-2013
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Date
2023-07
Authors
Mueni, Wambua Grace
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
The study focused on the peacebuilding initiatives of the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) among the Pokot and Tugen communities in Baringo County, Kenya, from 1978 to 2013. Despite the efforts made by various stakeholders, conflicts in the region have persisted. The specific objectives of the study were to examine the social, economic, and political factors contributing to conflicts between the Tugen and Pokot communities, assess the effectiveness of the KRCS peacebuilding initiatives, and analyze the challenges faced by the KRCS in their peacebuilding efforts. The study adopted a transformative approach to peacebuilding, which emphasizes the importance of reflecting the interests, identities, and needs of local actors. The research was anchored within the structural violence theory, which explores how social, economic, and political structures can perpetuate harm and inequality. A qualitative descriptive survey design was employed for this study. The target population included KRCS officials, government officials (Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs), community leaders, religious leaders, and local community members who were beneficiaries of the peacebuilding initiatives. Purposive sampling was used to select key informants, while simple random sampling was employed to select specific respondents from the local community. Both questionnaires and interview guides were used as research instruments, and focus group discussions were utilized to gather data from secondary sources. Quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques were employed for data analysis. The study found that conflicts between the Tugen and Pokot communities escalated during dry seasons when there was competition for grazing land and water resources. Additionally, the proliferation of small arms contributed to the conflict in the study area. Although the KRCS has made efforts towards peacebuilding, it has faced significant challenges from both the county and national governments, as well as infrastructural and logistical limitations. Based on these findings, the study concludes that there is a need for equal distribution of food and non-food items, as well as the establishment of boreholes, dams, and irrigation schemes within the areas occupied by the two warring communities. These measures would contribute to long-term peacebuilding efforts and address the underlying causes of the conflicts.
Description
A Project Submitted to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy, July 2023.
Keywords
Kenya Red Cross Society, Peacebuilding Initiatives, Pokot and Tugen, Communities, Baringo County, Kenya