A Study on Security Communication for Children in Conflict Areas: the Case of Mothers in Endoo Ward of Elgeyo Marakwet County

Abstract

This study focused on security communication for children in conflict areas: a case of mothers in Endoo ward of Elgeyo Marakwet County. The communities in Endoo ward have experienced perennial conflicts between them and their neighbours along Kerio River. The objectives of this study are: To assess the extent to which communication to children by mothers during insecurity in Kerio Valley is age-appropriate and child-friendly. To assess the extent to which communication to children by mothers in Endoo Ward during insecurity is positive and strengths-based. To establish children response to security communication by their mothers in Endoo Ward, and to investigate communication challenges mothers experience in security communication in Endoo Ward. The study was anchored on Paul Watzlawick’s Interpretative and Interaction Theory of Interpersonal Communication. The research used a case study design, qualitative research approach and the target population for the study were mothers in Endoo ward. The sample was selected using purposive sampling method with a criteria generated by the researcher. In-depth interviews were conducted to obtain information from the mothers. A focus group discussion was also conducted with the youth to establish response to communication by mothers. The study found out that mothers in Endoo Ward have devised communication strategies unique to their environment to keep their children safe during invasion. The communication is child friendly when mothers are preparing children before invasion. The communication is hasty during invasion owing to the danger that they are facing. The communication to children by mothers in Endoo Ward is positive and strength based especially after the invasion. The children have mastered the communication by the mothers and respond effectively to their mother’s communication during invasion. Mothers experience communication challenges while communication to their children during invasion. The mothers need training in communication skills to be better equipped with communication strategies to keep them safe during invasion. The study strongly recommends for the policy makers to develop communication interventions for children during insecurity. Further studies should be conducted on various methods and dimensions of measuring security communication strategies for children.