Role of provincial administration in community conflict resolution in Magarini District Coast Province in Kenya

Abstract

The research study evaluates the role of the provincial administration to enhance local peace in Kenya. It seeks to assess the potential and capacity of provincial administration to address local conflict. While a discussion of this nature cannot escape an analysis of the historical and political context within which provincial administration has operated, only a brief outline of the same is given herein.

The Government of Kenya has trained its provincial administration officials on conflict management and resolution. However, the reoccurrence of conflicts and their impact on development has led to the realization of the need to prioritize the management of conflict and to promote a culture of peace. It is against this background that the study seeks to understand how the Provincial administration can still improve on this responsibility bestowed on them by constitution so that conflicts can be completely eradicated among the communities.

The objective of this study were to find out the role played by provincial administration in community conflict resolution in Kenya with a special focus on Magarini District, Coast province. The study aimed at understanding the role of co-ordination by the provincial administration in resolving conflicts, how mediation by provincial administration has contributed to community conflict resolution, the extent to which negotiations by provincial administration contribute to community conflict resolution, the extent to which reconciliation is used by provincial administration in conflict resolution and the extent to which public consultations through public baraza by provincial administration contribute to community conflict resolution.

The research study reviewed related literature and examined the roles played by provincial administration in community conflict resolution. The study used descriptive survey research design to carry out research in Magarini district of coast province. The study targeted provincial administration officials and members of peace committees from the district.

Data was collected using questionnaire then analyzed and presented in table form. The study found out that coordination of security agents, mediation, negotiation, conciliation and use of public baraza in conflict resolution by provincial administration had direct impact on community conflict management.

Finally, analyzed data concluded that political interference, lack of proper skill to address conflicts, poor communication and cultural beliefs were the main challenges faced by provincial administration in community conflict resolution. These challenges should be addressed by the government so that efforts by its agents to manage and resolve conflicts are achieved. Moreover policies must be formulated to seriously address the issue of conflict perpetrators who play 'behind the scene role' of encouraging conflicts.