Browsing by Author "Maina Alex K"

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    Conflict Dynamics in Laikipia County, Kenya: Causes, Impacts, and Resolution Strategies
    (NDU-K, 2023) Maina Alex K
    There have been several instances of low-intensity conflict (LIC) around the world, including in Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. In Kenya several incidences of insurgencies, banditry and ethnic conflicts have occurred causing untold human suffering and loss of property. These conflicts have been persistent and intractable in nature. Many remedies and mitigating techniques have been tried, with some success. This study therefore aimed to examine causes and effects of insecurity in Laikipia County and proposes security strategies. The study was based on Edward Azar's Protracted Social Conflict Theory and Resource Scarcity Theory. The study used secondary data, reviewing existing literatures from other studies. The study findings indicated that political incitements, the proliferation of small arms, unequal land ownership and tenure, and marginalization were among the core causes of conflicts in Laikipia County. Conflicts in Laikipia County have a variety of effects, including decreased food production, property destruction, the loss of young, active males, school closures, disruptions in the delivery of medical care, and the spread of small guns and light weapons, among others. Attempted conflict management approaches in Laikipia County include dialogue, mediation, peace workshops, arbitration, peace meetings, psychosocial counselling, humanitarian assistance, disarmament and livestock control measures such as branding and embargoes. The study concluded that whereas some causes of conflicts in Laikipia County have been identified, the root causes have not been well highlighted and singled out and that there have been profound negative impacts on socio-economic aspects of the County. The study recommended that the Laikipia County administration creates a comprehensive framework for conflict resolution that combines formal and informal methods in order to address the main causes of conflict - land tenure and marginalization. The policy should blend formal and conventional dispute resolution techniques. The Ministry of Interior should set up long-term security agencies that are well-equipped, with a strong intelligence framework for early warning to stop the spread of small guns and lessen criminal activity. In order to improve compliance with Chapter 6 of the Kenyan Constitution 2010, the National government should create a permanent vetting board presided over by the Director of Military Intelligence (DMI) and Director National Intelligence Service (NIS).