| dc.description.abstract | This study set out to critically look at the role of clan elders among the Borana ethnic group in the Marsabit district in resolving inter-ethnic conflicts that has over the years led to severe loss of human life and property. Violent conflicts involving pastoralists have become widespread and increasingly severe in the upper Eastern regions of Kenya occupied by the Borana community. Despite the sustained local, state and regional efforts to resolve inter-community conflicts in this region, there has been no success in reducing the frequency and impact of these conflicts.
The study was guided by the following specific objectives:
1. To understand the causes of conflict in Marsabit District
2. To investigate the role of clan elders in conflict resolution
3. To assess the effectiveness of the role of elders in conflict resolution among the Borana.
4. To determine alternatives to conflict resolution.
This study adopted the theoretical framework based on the theories of Ralf Dahrendorf and that , of Karl Marx to try and understand the persistent conflict in Marsabit district.
With regard to the study design, sources of data included both primary and secondary sources. The field research adopted a qualitative approach where the researcher took an active role as an observer and also an evaluative approach in which the researcher attempted to interrogate the contribution of the social value systems in maintaining peace. The data collection methods mainly consisted of case study, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and participant observer. In depth interviews were conducted with select key informants from amongst formal authorities, committee members, NGOs, CSOs, informal authorities, women groups and youth groups.
The study found out that pastoralist societies in Kenya's arid lands frequently experience severe conflicts over access to water and pasture. However, the state apparatus in the region is weak and largely unable to prevent, respond or resolve these conflicts. The traditional conflict resolution mechanism by and large worked in the past but it is now facing legal, structural and generational challenges that have rendered it ineffective to resolve conflicts.
The study noted the general feeling of powerlessness among the traditional elders to the effect that their role has been taken over or usurped by the provincial administration. The various peace interventions that have taken place among the pastoral communities in the area have given birth to series of peace resolutions and declarations, most of which seem to have worked well initially but faded out with time due to challenges to sustain them. External threats such as the administrative boundaries created by the Government with little regard to communal ways of life, is a major contributor to the ongoing pastoralist to pastoralist conflicts. It is also clear from the study that the institutions that are currently doing peace work in the study district like the government, civil society, faith based organizations and traditional systems are all lacking in terms of coordination and unity of purpose.
The study noted the exclusion of both women and youth in the traditional as well as modem peace structures yet the two groups play significant role in conflict escalation. In order to address the above concerns the study recommends that community ownership of the peace processes be promoted. The peace structures should be de-politicized and be inclusive. The various structures should acknowledge their strengths and weakness and work to complement each other instead of undermining the other. The declarations made should be backed by all actors and the state should ensure enforcement of it for instance the modalities of compensation and punishment as stated in the Modogashe declaration. All structures should recognize and respect the role of women and youth and use them to champion peace actions in the area. Finally, according to the current central bureaus of statistics, 98% of people in the study area live below poverty line. Such dilapidating poverty must be addressed and social services improved in the district. | en_US |
