Peace Committees and Inter-Ethnic Conflict Management in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, Kenya 2001-2019
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Date
2025-01
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
The study sought to examine the peace committees in inter-ethnic conflict management in Elgeyo-Marakwet County. The study was guided by the following objectives: To analyse demographic characteristics of the peace committees in inter-ethnic conflict management, to examine the approaches of establishing peace committees in inter-ethnic conflict management, to assess the effectiveness of peace committees in managing inter-ethnic and to analyse the conflict resolution strategies used by peace committees in managing inter-ethnic conflicts in Elgeyo Marakwet County. Negotiation theory guided the study. The study was grounded on cross-sectional survey research design, with a target population of 193 respondents. This sample was determined through the Slovin’s formula. Cluster random sampling was used to select the sample size. The study utilized both primary and secondary sources of data. Primary data were sourced from respondents in the field. From the sample, data was collected using questionnaires and structured interviews. Questionnaires were administered to sampled members of the general public in Marakwet East and Marakwet West sub-counties. Key informants included the Elgeyo-Marakwet County Commissioner (1), Assistant County Commissioners (2), Chiefs (2), Elders (6), Religious Leaders (2) and NGOs representatives (2) working for peace programs. Secondary data for the study was gathered from libraries around Nairobi and the internet. Quantitative data was analysed through descriptive statistics and presented in tabular form while qualitative data was analysed through theme identification. The study findings reveal the vital role of peace committees in mitigating inter-ethnic conflicts between the Marakwet and Pokot communities, with a significant level of community awareness regarding their activities. Despite the positive perception of these committees' effectiveness and their alignment with community needs, challenges such as political interference and funding limitations hinder their visibility and operational success. The findings indicate that the committees effectively cultivate trust and open communication among stakeholders by employing a combination of traditional and contemporary conflict resolution approaches. This positive impact is evident in improved relationships and a more constructive dialogue between conflicting parties. However, the study reveals that underlying grievances, often deeply ingrained within the community, remain unresolved and continue to pose significant challenges to long-term peace and stability. Based on these insights, it is recommended that both county and national governments enhance communication about peace committees, increase funding for their operations and foster collaborations with traditional leaders and NGOs. Additionally, continuous community feedback should be integrated to adapt strategies to evolving local dynamics, while training initiatives focusing on conflict resolution techniques are essential for building their capacity. These steps are crucial for ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of peace initiatives in the region