Clashes between refugees and host communities: the case study of Kakuma refugee camp, 1992-2013
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Date
2015Author
Lotethiro, Peter E
Type
ThesisLanguage
enMetadata
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This study investigates the clashes between refugees and host communities in Kakuma refugee
camp in the Turkana County in North West Kenya between 1992 and 2013. It examines the
causes of clashes and assesses the impact of the clashes on both refugees and host communities.
The study adopted a qualitative approach to data collection and analysis. Data was collected
mainly through focused group discussions, oral interviews, books and journal articles. The study
hinges on two theories i.e. the Basic Human Needs Theory and Social Development Theory both
of which allude that humans and society seek to fulfill their unmet needs and aspirations to
achieve social and economic goals. Although the study finds evidence of clashes between
refugees and host communities, that notwithstanding, the study also finds UNHCR and
humanitarian partners policies in their selective provision of humanitarian aid to refugees
indirectly responsible for clashes between the refugees and host communities. Hence, the
consequences arising from the imbalance and inequality in the provision of humanitarian aid
exacerbate clashes between the refugees and host communities. The study finds causes of clashes
between refugees and host communities stemming from issues to do with excision of host
communities land for settlement of refugees without their inclusion and compensation, wanton
cutting down of trees leading to deforestation and environmental destruction. These issues
together with host communities‟ limited access to social services apparently enjoyed by refugees
and diverse cultural disparities, compounded by socio-economic and cultural and political
impacts all played to exacerbate clashes between the Kakuma refugees and the host communities
as well as change the way of life for host communities.
Publisher
University of Nairobi
Description
Thesis