The Influence Of Disarmament Strategies On Sustainable Security: Case Of West Pokot County

Abstract

Illegal possession of arms by civilians has proofed to be a challenge in regard to peace, security and governance in the affected areas. Therefore, this informs governments to carry out various disarmaments strategies aimed at addressing these challenges. In Kenya, several strategies have been previously employed to address the problems of illegal arms owned by civilians. The literature review however, presented different results from such measures. Thus, study therefore sought to establish the role played by disarmament strategies on sustainable security in North Pokot Sub-County, West Pokot County. This study was conducted using qualitative research design with data being gathered using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), in-depth interviews with participants and telephone interviews where necessary. The data collected was analyzed using thematic analysis. The study found out that forceful disarmament strategies led to more hostility from the Pokot community who argued that the government subjected them to misery without addressing the main causes of armaments and re-armaments and therefore did not address sustainable security. Similarly, amnesty played some critical role in restoring some trust from the community, which led to some collaboration in surrender illegally owned arms, hence leading to some level of security. The findings also found out that other than the disarmament programs carried out, there were other external factors that influenced the surrender of illegally owned arms. The study recommends that there is need to address the root causes of armaments and re-armaments, which lead to vicious circles of conflicts as well as further research on alternative livelihoods in addressing pastoral lifestyles and illegal arms possession.