The Role of Devolution in the Resolution of Intercommunal Conflicts in Kenya: the Case of Meruborana Conflict in Isiolo County 2012-2017

Abstract

This study focused on the role of devolution in resolution of intercommunal conflicts between the Meru and Borana communities within Isiolo county. This conflict has been blamed on political competition, fight for resources, marginalization among other factors. All these negative factors have been attributed to years of poor accountability and transparency, unequal distribution of resources and low levels of community participation in development. The centralized system was characterized by the above factors and therefore devolution was adopted with the aim of improving governance and pacifying these factors that were responsible for conflict. Among the objects of devolution outlined in the Kenyan Constitution are the recognition of rights and interests of minorities, increased public participation and political representation. Therefore, it is envisioned that by operationalizing devolution, the above objects will lead to accountability, effectiveness, efficiency and recognition of diversity hence reduced conflicts. The study therefore focused on the above three mentioned objects of devolution and examined how they link to conflict resolution. The study covered four areas within Isiolo Town that are dominated mostly by the Meru and Borana. The research design adopted was longitudinal and it took a qualitative approach in data collection where interview guides were used to get data from key informants and locals. The key informants were purposively selected while stratified sampling was used to select the locals. The findings of the study were that the rights and interests of minorities are progressively being recognized but it is yet to meet the threshold that would reduce conflict. Secondly, that public participation is advanced but the minorities within the county are still facing some level of isolation and that political representation has improved but the majority carry the day. The study concludes that devolution has helped in curbing intercommunal conflicts between the Meru and Borana but it is still early to judge its success or failure. This study made several recommendations including rolling out of platforms and opportunities for citizen participation, civic education and information to sensitize citizens. Other conflict resolution mechanisms can also be combined with the efforts of devolution to realize an overall success in curbing such intercommunal conflicts.