| dc.description.abstract | Land like any other natural resource was analysed broadly with the view of
unraveling its ramification in the expression of inter-ethnic conflicts globally. In light
of modernism, institutional land reforms and new governance structures, land was still
a factor in the manifestation of inter-ethnic conflicts. There was need therefore to
study why land triggers inter-ethnic land conflicts in Laikipia area. This study
undertook a historical study of the land question in relation to inter-ethnic conflicts in
Laikipia area since 1895 as its general objective. The specific objectives of this study
were to; trace the migration and settlement of the ethnic communities and its influence
on inter-ethnic relations in Laikipia area up to 1963 investigate the dynamics
impacting the land question in inter-ethnic relations in Laikipia area 1895-1992;
examine the inter-ethnic conflict trends in Laikipia area since 1895, assess the
influence of the land question on inter-ethnic conflicts in Laikipia Area since 1895 and
evaluate the socio-economic impact of inter-ethnic land conflicts in Laikipia Area
since 1992 . Instrumentalism and articulation of modes of production theories were
used to give a broad theoretical framework on the basis of this study‘s variables. The
study was carried out in the six sub-regions of Laikipia area which included; Laikipia
Central, Laikipia East, Laikipia North, Kirima, Laikipia West and Nyahururu. The
study focused on the period since 1895, in order to enact the land question from
colonial era and include contemporary dynamics. This study adopted the historical
research design. Non probabilistic sampling technique was used to sample
knowledgeable informants from the six regions. Snow-balling was used where referral
cases are involved. The study‘s target populations were elders, political leaders,
farmers and peace actors with a sample size of seventy-nine respondents and four
focus group discussions. Respondents were sampled purposively from all the six sub
counties of Laikipia area. Data was then analyzed thematically according to the
study‘s specific objectives. The study adhered to research ethics at all stages as much
as possible except for anonymity. This ensured that objectivity, validity, reliability and
the standards of this study were maintained. The study made the following main
findings: Migration and settlement of the ethnic groups in Laikipia area led to inter
ethnic relations in Laikipia area up to 1963. The study established that ethnic
nationalism and ancestral land claims, change in land use and tenure, proliferation of
small arms and light weapons, media, geo-politics, conservative nature of herders,
colonialism led to the rise of the land question in relation to inter-ethnic relations in
Laikipia area since 1895. The study established that there were inter-ethnic trends
conflicts in Laikipia area during the pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial eras. The
study found out that land question dynamics triggered inter-ethnic land conflicts in
Laikipia area since 1895. The study established that the protracted inter-ethnic land
conflicts impacted negatively on the socio-economic and environmental fabrics of
Laikipia area since 1992. The study concluded that ancestral land claims, colonialism,
changes in land use and land tenure, geo-politics, ethnocentrism and skewed
government resettlement programme led to the rise of the land question its impact on
the inter-ethnic conflicts in Laikipia Area. The study recommended that; ancestral land
claims and historical land injustices should be addressed. Dynamics impacting the land
question should be fixed. Pressure attached to land as a force of production in the
expression of inter-ethnic conflicts should be reduced by developing alternative
sources of livelihoods. | en_US |
