Collaborative Strategies in Conflict Management between Pastoralists and Ranchers in Laikipia County (2000-2022)
| dc.contributor.author | Longesh, Esma Michael | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-02-18T07:39:02Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-02-18T07:39:02Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025-09 | |
| dc.description | A Project Report Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Science in Security and Strategic Studies in the School Of Law, Arts and Social Sciences of Kenyatta University. September, 2025 Supervisor Linnet Hamasi | |
| dc.description.abstract | Conflicts between pastoralists and ranchers in Laikipia County arise primarily from competition over scarce natural resources, exacerbated by climate variability, historical land grievances and the proliferation of small arms. The study examined the collaborative strategies in conflict management among pastoralists and ranchers. Specific objectives were: to assess the collaborative strategies employed in dealing with the conflict, to evaluate possible areas of collaboration as a conflict management strategy and to analyze the challenges in the use of collaborative approaches in conflict management between pastoralists and ranchers in Laikipia County (2000-2022). The study was guided by the Conflict Transformation Theory by John Lederach. To conceptualise collaboration, the study utilised Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument. Descriptive survey design was used where both qualitative and quantitative data were collected to address the research questions. The target population was community leaders, pastoralists neighbouring the ranches, personnel/staff working within the ranches, ranchers, Kenya Police Reserve (KPR), Officers from the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, Officers from the county Government and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) handling security matters. The study used a purposive and stratified sampling approach to select a sample size of 106 respondents and key informants, arrived at using the Onwuegbuzie and Collins typology. Interview guides and semi-structured questionnaires were utilized to gather field data. Research studies, journals, e-books, government reports and papers were used as the primary sources of secondary data. Data was categorized, verified and presented in themes that match to the study's objectives. Key findings per objective include: (1) collaborative strategies such as community dialogues, mediation and joint resource management were employed but faced implementation gaps in creating win-win outcomes; (2) areas of collaboration like shared grazing lands and livestock health programs showed potential for neutralizing hostilities; (3) challenges including mistrust, political interference and unequal enforcement hindered uptake. The study findings provide knowledge on understanding the collaborative strategies of conflict management adding to existential knowledge. The study is of much interest to all stakeholders of conflict intervention, peacekeeping, humanitarian operations and students of peace and security studies. The study recommends enhanced resource management, stricter controls on small arms, political accountability and strengthened governance structures to promote sustained cooperation and resolve conflicts. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/32486 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Kenyatta University | |
| dc.title | Collaborative Strategies in Conflict Management between Pastoralists and Ranchers in Laikipia County (2000-2022) | |
| dc.type | Thesis |