Conflicts between pastoral communities in East Africa. Case study of the Pokot and Turkana
Abstract
This study examines the conflicts between pastoral communities in East Africa. It examines the
causes and factors that have led to these conflicts. The conflicts between Turkana and Pokot of
Turkana county and West Pokot county respectively have been analysed.
Primary data was collected through questionnaires administered to both communities. Secondary
data was collected from Newspaper reports, Annual reports, Development Plans, Journals and
books.
Data collected was used to analyse the causes of the conflicts and possible mitigation. The study
identified boundary disputes and cattle rustlings as the major causes of the conflicts. The study
established that the conflicts date back to 1924 during the colonial era. The respondents of the
questionnaires gave suggestion of how the conflicts can be resolved.
The study has identified areas where conflicts are serious and hot spots of the conflicts. Most of
these are at the border of the two communities.
This study recommends a systemic approach to the conflicts due to the fact that there are many
actors and the fact that the conflicts extends to neighbouring countries. On top of this there are a
number of factors that have led to the conflicts and why they have been sustained. Other
recommendations include disarmament, education and provision of alternative sources of
income. The study also recommends the involvement of the communities in the county planning
and development projects.
Citation
Gitau,S.M.,2013.Conflicts between Pastoral Communities in East Africa. Case Study of the Pokot and Turkana,A Project submitted in partial fulfillment of the Degree of Master of Arts in International Studies, Institute of diplomacy and International Studies, University of Nairobi.Publisher
University of Nairobi