Main Armed Conflict and Peace Studies From Idps To Refugees And Back To Idps - The Dynamics Of Post Election Violence Victims In Kenya: A Case Of Busia County, 2007-2015

Abstract

This study set out to assess the changing nature of displaced persons in Kenya. The main objective was to explore the nature of displaced persons and the coping mechanisms during the different stages of displacement. The study sought to examine three objectives; one is transition of Kenyan IDPs to refugees in Uganda; secondly is dynamism of the refugees to IDPs; and thirdly, to assess the challenges and coping mechanisms they adopted in transit camps in Malaba. The research used the theory of Reasoned Action by AjzenIcek and Fishbein Martin. The theory argues that human actions are based on cost-benefit analysis following a rational analysis of available salient information. Data collection began by review of secondary materials accessed from Jomo Kenyatta Memorial Library at the University of Nairobi and McMillan library. There were direct interviews with twenty five respondents and two focus group discussion during the course of this study. The study sample was selected purposively based on researcher’s knowledge of key informants in the area. In addition, two focus group discussions with informed respondents were held in Malaba Town. The study found out that displaced persons of 2007/08 Post Election Violence in Malaba had to periodically and systematically adjust their lifestyles to fit into different environments they found themselves in. For instance, due to limited employment opportunities in refugee settlements, the refugees had to adopt a myriad of economic activities including farming and petty businesses to survive. Additionally, they faced several challenges including health problems, shortage of social amenities, harassment by agency and state officials and trauma. To survive, they develop coping mechanisms which include seeking guidance and counselling services and developing close relationship with host communities in order to share available resources.