Post-conflict peace building in East Africa: The case of Sotik and Borabu constituencies in Kenya, 1990-2012

Abstract

This research study is an intensive examination of peace-building initiatives in East Africa, with a case-study of post-conflict peace-building efforts in Sotik and Borabu constituencies, which are located in Bomet and Nyamira Counties in the Republic of Kenya. This area has faced continuing violence from the period 1990 to 2012. The most significant violence in the area was experienced following the 2007/2008 disputed elections in Kenya. A household questionnaire, interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect qualitative data from members of the community in Sotik and Borabu. The researcher gathered data from community members from 12 villages in this area. Thematic analysis of this data elucidated community members' experiences of the conflict during the period 1990-2012, as well as the leading causes of violence and the main drivers of peace in the area. The researcher also collected secondary data and examined peace-building efforts in East Africa. This study showed that community members mainly engage in violent conflict in an effort to meet their basic human needs. The study has demonstrated that indigenous peace-building efforts that take into account the local context and utilise local solutions are extremely effective and sustainable.