The impact of internal conflicts Clashes (1991-1999) on Kenya’s international image

Abstract

This dissertation is premised on and informed by secondary data based on the clashes which have been christened 'tribal clashes', 'ethnic clashes' and even 'politically instigated clashes' that occurred in Kenya intermittently between 1991 and 1999.

Chapter one outlines the 'Essence of Clashes' giving the backbone to the whole dissertation as it spells out the research problem, objectives, the hypotheses, the theoretical framework, methods of data collection as well as a summary on the content of the literature that constitutes the dissertation.

Chapter two deals with the 'Overview of the clashes' in the various provinces - Rift Valley, Nyanza, Western and Coast. Eastern and Central Provinces were not affected as the rationale behind the clashes is explained in the literature of the dissertation. Nairobi Province had its share of the violence but not to the magnitude experienced in Rift Valley, Nyanza and Coast Provinces as is shown in the literature in this chapter.

Chapter three highlights the role played by the media, the different ethnic groups, the human rights activists, the religious leaders and the concept of majimboism in escalating the clashes.

Chapter -four-analyses the repercussions of the clashes on the 'foreign relations of Kenya showing how the economy was affected by dwindling numbers of tourists; the resistance to multi-party democracy which exposed Kenya to the International Community; the ineffective role played by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), due to intimidation by the Kenya Government. This Chapter also points out the hope for future clash victims that lies in applying the International Humanitarian Law due to provisions for justice that a.11 individual is accorded beyond the possible intimidation by the state in question.

Chapter five provides the conclusions to the dissertation and suggestions for further research.