Evaluating Efforts to Resettle Internally Displaced Persons:a Case Study of Molo Conflict Area, 1990-2012

Abstract

Internal displacement is a big problem facing Africa and the world today. This problem has gained prominence over the refugee problem due to the increase in intra-state conflicts. This study evaluates the responses made to the internal displacement problem in Kenya and specifically in Molo conflict area. This includes responses by different actors including the government, non- governmental organizations (hereafter NGOs), civil society and religious leaders towards a durable solution to the internal displacement problem in Kenya. Three main objectives guided this study. The first was to examine resettlement programmes in Molo conflict area. These were programmes that had been initiated by either the government or other non-state actors. The second objective of the study was to identify challenges of resettling IDPs in the area of study. These challenges were classified into those facing IDPs in the postresettlement period and those challenges that the people and institutions resettling them faced in the process. The third objective of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of the resettlement programmes. This study tested three hypotheses. First, that current resettlement practice does not adequately cater for the internally displaced in Molo district. Second, that failure to adequately tackle the IDP problem is as a result of the lack of a national IDP policy and thirdly that resettlement programmes in the area of study have been ineffective. The study utilized the social contract theoretical framework which gives an understanding on the responsibility of a government to its citizenry. It, therefore, has a duty to ensure that citizens, including IDPs, enjoy the right to life, shelter and ownership of property. This study thus examined ingredients necessary for successful resettlement which is a first step towards durable peace in Kenya and specifically in the area of study. The study found out that indeed various resettlement programmes had been initiated in the area of study. However, it was found that this process had not achieved a durable solution to the IDP problem. The resettled people continue to face various challenges, for example, lack of a livelihood. Another finding is that reconciliation between the communities still requires a lot of intervention. The land issue still poses a major threat. It is hoped that the current constitutional dispensation and the land reforms envisioned in this environment will address the historical land problems once and for all.