Efficacy of Interpersonal Communication in Conflict Resolution- a Case of the Sabaot Clans in Mt. Elgon Region, Bungoma County, Kenya

Abstract

The study sought to analyse the efficacy of interpersonal communication with a focus on the Sabaot clans of Mt. Elgon. The study examined the type and level of the Sabaot conflict in Mt. Elgon region, established the conflict resolution methods that have been used since the last major inter-clan conflict in 2008 in Mt. Elgon, accessed the strengths and limitations of interpersonal communication in conflict resolution in Mt. Elgon, and determined factors that affect interpersonal communication in conflict resolution in Mt. Elgon. The study was based on the constructivism theory and the Meta-taxonomy of conflict transformation. The researcher used both theories in the study to explain conflict and the role of interpersonal communication in conflict resolution. The study adopted a phenomenological approach. The qualitative method was used where ten key informants were purposively selected to participate in key informant interviews. Data was collected by interviewing key informants and recorded in a descriptive form by taking notes. Some of the ethical issues considered during data collection include: - confidentiality and consent. The qualitative data collected were coded and thematically. The findings of the study indicate that the conflict in Mt. Elgon is significantly fuelled by the land question and political differences. The findings also show that there have been efforts of conflict resolution through sporting activities, religious group crusades, which entailed the use of interpersonal communication However, the use of coded language and political differences are factors that contribute to deep-rooted conflict which makes the Sabaot community relapse to conflict time and again which result to creation of distance between people and affects interpersonal communication. Moreover, government intervention through deployment of military officers and legal mechanisms was characterised by harassment of locals and there were reports extra-judicial killings. This resulted to fear and psychological trauma among the locals, thus greatly impacted on interpersonal communication Therefore, this study concluded that conflict resolution in Mt. Elgon can be attained when the two clans are in constant dialogue, thus the importance of interpersonal communication. Therefore, the study recommends that the government should actively involve locals in key decision-making processes through public participation and another recommendation to peace monitors is that they should strive to collectively promote interpersonal communication among the residents in Mt. Elgon.