The proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapon in the horn of Africa: a case study of Kajiado District, Kenya 1991-2009

Abstract

Possessions of illicit small arms and light weapons have become widespread and their severe impacts felt across the Horn of Africa. Traditionally African communities practiced raids with use of traditional weapons but the use of modern weapons and lack of respect for traditional rules nowadays is enhancing conflict influencing proliferation of illicit SALWs. The study addresses the illicit SALWs situation across the Horn of Africa and in Kenya Kajiado District in Particular. The objective of the study is threefold; to understand the causes and impacts of illicit SALWs, assess attitude, perception and the experiences of the people towards illicit SALWs and to examine possible links of illicit SALWs with economic, socio-cultural, environmental and political factors. The HoA region is one of the most armed regions with the highest pastoralist population in the world living in the arid and semi-arid areas and their main livelihood is livestock. Data for this study was obtained from primary and secondary sources using sampling design and the question the study aims to answer is 'Why proliferation of illicit SALWs a scourge in the HoA particularly in Kajiado District?' The study findings indicate the presence of illicit SALWs, underdevelopment and increased poverty due to increased SAL W s proliferation and that the local people long for peace as demonstrated in their willingness to be involved in activities to control and Manage illicit SALWs proliferation.