Challenges and opportunities for management of aggressive intractable inter-ethnic conflicts between the Turkana and Pokot people in the north-western region of Kenya

Abstract

The North-Western of Kenya has endured persistent, belligerent inter-ethnic conflicts. These battles are particularly between the Turkana and Pokot communities. The conflicts are rooted in historical marginalization and competition for scarce natural resources. Additionally, cultural validation of warriorhood and widespread availability of small arms have contributed enormously to the exacerbation of the skirmishes. Earlier interventions have been unsuccessful resulting from weak state presence, politicization and insufficient community ownership. This study identified and analyzed the main challenges hindering effective conflict this two communities. It also explored feasible and locally driven opportunities for sustainable peacebuilding. The study is guided by the Conflict Transformation Theory of John Paul Lederach. This theory emphasizes the need to alter structural injustices, associations, narratives and institutions for durable peace. A mixed-methods design was adopted. It integrated descriptive survey and phenomenological approaches. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis. A stratified sample of 400 respondents (Turkana: 60%; West Pokot: 40%) participated. Instrument reliability exceeded a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.76. Quantitative data that was categorical was analyzed by Chi-square test. Qualitative data was thematically analyzed and implied collective meaning reported. Findings revealed that the conflict is sustained by the proliferation of firearms, inadequate security services, political manipulation and cultural endorsement of violence (notably in Turkana). Over 53% of respondents reported increased conflict since 2017. Turkana respondents experienced more frequent attacks and upheld the “heroic warrior” ideal more than their West Pokot counterparts. Structural variables such as poverty, unemployment among the youth, and marginalization were just as crucial in driving conflict continuity. While institutions of customary conflict resolution are in retreat, communities were keen to be engaged in peace processes. Cultural dispositions and exposure to conflict variability point towards region-based intervention. The community trusts its capacity to solve problems, offering a window of opportunity for bottom-up peacebuilding. Turkana–Pokot conflict is deeply rooted, multi-layered and mounting. Strength and resilience of the people are a fertile ground for radical peacebuilding grounded in local contexts and participatory governance. There ought to be a multi-sectoral intervention: institution strengthening of people-owned peace structures, equitable disarmament, participatory governance, focused peace education on particular alternative masculinities and investment in public infrastructure. State action has to be centered on trust-building, early warning and psychosocial healing to enable sustainable change of conflict.