PEACEBUILDING STRATEGIES INFLUENCING INTER-ETHNIC COHESION AMONG THE BOUNDARY COMMUNITIES OF KISUMU AND NANDI COUNTIES, KENYA

Abstract

This study investigated peacebuilding strategies influencing inter-ethnic cohesion among boundary communities of Kisumu and Nandi Counties, Kenya. Four specific objectives guided the study: to examine the nature of peacebuilding strategies employed; to assess the extent of the inter-ethnic relations; determine the nexus between peacebuilding strategies and ethnic cohesion; and to explore the challenges and opportunities of peacebuilding strategies. The study filled the gaps in the literature and created new knowledge on the peacebuilding strategies and inter-ethnic cohesion. It also provided security policymakers with a framework to ensure cohesion. The study was conducted within the boundary of Kisumu and Nandi Counties. The study was supported by two theories: conflict transformation and primordial. Descriptive and explanatory designs were adopted. The study population comprised household heads, community leaders, religious leaders, state security officers, and CSOs. The sample size was 320 household heads, 52 key informants and 48 focus group participants drawn from the four wards. The study adopted simple random and purposive sampling strategies to select participants. Questionnaires were used to collect data from the household heads; Interview schedule was used to collect data from key informants. FGD guide was used to collect data from the committee members. Secondary data was collected from journals, government and NGOs reports and theses. SPSS (V.30.1) was used to analyze quantitative data which provided frequencies and percentages and presented in tables and figures. Thematic and content analysis methods were used to analyze the qualitative data. On the nature of peacebuilding strategies, most strategies are implemented by state, non-state and indigenous actors, and also strategies were either reactive and proactive through the activities such as dialogue (31.8%), sports and theatre (19.2%), psycho-social support (16.9%), peace caravans (13.6%), and security forces deployment, (10.6%). Results on the extent of inter-ethnic cohesion show that despite the high extent of harmony (79%), there is high extent of intolerance (80%), high extent of prejudices (77%) and low level of trust (57%) and communities still interact through intermarriages, shared institutions and trade. Nexus between strategies and cohesion is to a high extent (61%) due to activities of youth groups contributing to (77%), local and international NGOs (72%), religious groups (68%), women groups (64%), military and police service (59%) and elders (56.2%) employ dialogue (62%), sports and drama (77%), and EWS (67%) to build cohesion. Challenges include cultural beliefs (31%), inadequate resources (24%), national politics (20%), lack of participation (16%), and nature of the area (9%). Opportunities included use of local resources (31%), socio cultural integration (20%), ADR mechanism (17%), disarmament (13%), technology (11%), and socioeconomic development (8%).The overall conclusion was that the strategies employed have positively contributed to inter-ethnic cohesion despite some challenges. The study recommends that actors to collaborate with local communities. On the extent of ethnic relations, more sociocultural integration in the area. The study also recommends collaboration between the state and non-state actors in funding cohesion initiatives. To reduce challenges, state and non-state actors to use locally available resources such as boda boda operators, youth and women groups to overcome cohesion challenges in the area.