Impact of conflicts on development initiatives of Non-Governmental Organisations in Northern Kenya: the case of Isiolo District

Abstract

This project paper discusses the impact of conflict on the development activities of the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) working in Isiolo district. The document provides a typical case of what relations there are between the development initiatives by the NGOs and the process of conflict. The paper focuses on activities of NGOs and how they have been influenced by the conflicts. The general perception is that conflicts have posed a major challenge to the provision of development in general and initiatives by the NGOs in particular. Therefore, its major thrust is on the impact of conflict on the development provided by the NGOs in this region. Its overall goal is to establish the extent to which ethnic conflicts impact the development efforts made by the NGOs in Northern Kenya. The study is based on the fact that the low development process is an issue influenced by the insecurity status. The study used the conflict theory as a theoretical basis for the study, and it adapted literature review and field interview methodologies for data collections. Its findings have provided evidence of the relation of the two variables, that is conflict and development. It had linked the two issues in as far as provision of development to the Northern region of Kenya and Isiolo in particular is concerned. The impact is therefore indisputable. The study recommends land resource tenure, security sector reforms, development of relevant economic policy frameworks for the area and proper establishment of mechanisms for managing drought. The Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) also need to develop a clear and relevant stand on their level of programmatic and geographical coverage as well as their relevance in certain areas and involvement of International organisations at grass-root levels.