RESOURCE-USE PRACTICES INFLUENCING INTER-ETHNIC CONFLICTS IN NAKURU COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Globally, conflicts arising from resource-use are increasingly becoming common. This generated inter-ethnic violence that have caused death, strained relations among communities, led to loss of property, displacements, slowed economic growth and increased sex-related crimes. Despite the government, local communities, and NGOs among other institutions putting effort to minimize conflicts, they are yet to find a lasting solution. The overarching objective of the study was to explore the ways in which resource-use practices contribute to inter-ethnic conflict in the county of Nakuru in Kenya. The specific objectives were as stated: Examine the nature and extent of resourceuse practices influencing inter-ethnic conflicts in Nakuru County, Kenya. Evaluate the effects of resource-use practices on inter-ethnic conflicts in Nakuru County, Kenya. Evaluate the challenges and opportunities in management of resource-use inter- ethnic conflicts in Nakuru County, Kenya. The study assumed a conceptual model which was underpinned by Incompatibility of Plural Society theory, Greed versus Grievance Theory and Primordialism Theory. The study adopted descriptive and evaluation research design. The study was done in Nakuru County. It targeted household heads, government officials, civil society organizations, and community members. There were 246 respondents, taken as the sample size for the study. The study adopted multi–stage random sampling, snowball, simple random, convenience and purposive sampling. During the study, both secondary and primary data was collected. The methods of primary data collection were; use of questionnaires, interview guides and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Secondary data was obtained from online sources, reports, books and journals. Qualitative data was transcribed and organized using thematic approaches. Presentation of quantitave data was in form of tables, charts and graphs while qualitative data was presented inform of verbatim quotations and narrative reports. The study found out that majority of conflicts were violent as indicated by (46%) of household heads, the major perpetrators to the conflicts were Politicians (35%). Land conflicts were also identified as the major type of conflict as indicated by (24%) of the respondents. The major effects of conflicts were loss of life as shown by (20%), and displacement (20%). The main challenges for managing conflicts in the study area included insecurity misunderstanding and financial constraints. Opportunities available for managing conflicts included; initiating more peace programs, civic education, and easy access of security. The overall conclusion of this study is that resource-use practices influence inter-ethnic conflicts in Nakuru County, Kenya. The inter-ethnic conflicts are instigated by disagreements over land, political incitements and ethnic differences which cause loss of lives, displacement of people, loss of property and discrimination in the area. Therefore, utilizing the various social institutions, for example, school, family, religious organizations, government and media to preach peace during the non-electioneering and electioneering period. The study recommends that the main factors for nature and extent of resource-use practices on inter-ethnic conflicts be addressed by both national and county government right from the grass root level with the help of community members. More emphasis should be directed to the ethnic communities in the study area. It further recommends the effects of resource-use practices on inter-ethnic conflicts in the study area be enhanced both at national and county levels so as to allow economic development of the people in the area. Finally, the study recommends improved working relationship between the local community, government and civil society so as to initiate more peace keeping programs and integration between ethnic groups in the area.