Factors influencing peaceful co-existence among the pastoral communities in Wajir west sub-county,Kenya

Abstract

The study sought to investigate Factors Influencing Peaceful Co-Existence among the Pastoral Communities. The study population was 420 residents comprising the Provincial administration officers (DC‟s, DO‟s, and Chiefs), Civic leaders, senior security personnel (OCS, OCPD), representatives of Civil Society Organization and Faith- based groups and local residents. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The study employed both probability and nonprobability sampling procedures. The researcher utilized available sampling procedure to get a sample totaling to 165 respondents comprising of 120 local residents, 23 provincial administration officers, 3 senior security officers, 9 civic leaders and 10 representatives of the civil society and Faith-based organizations. Quantitative data from questionnaires was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Measures of distribution, percentages and frequencies were applied in analyzing the data with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The study concluded that poor government policies and programs was the main cause of conflict, that in many occasions the government is reluctant to respond to violence and it only acts when the violence activities are brought the media. The study also concluded that loss of human lives is the main effect of conflicts, that watering points are the main source of conflict particularly during dry periods. Also peace building committees existed in Wajir County but there are no enough peace building programs carried out to promote peaceful coexistence among communities. Also the most immediate institution that responds to resolve conflict was the civil society/NGOs, that peace committees are very critical in resolving issues and challenges facing security at grass root levels but face challenges of funding and logistical support. The study therefore recommended that peace resolution initiate such as meeting people in churches and launching peace campaigns should be adopted in the peace preaching process. The county government should emphasize much on having local barazas whereby all the stakeholders in the district can fully participate giving their opinion in regard to peace process and train everyone to be a peacemakers. Individuals should also be taken for tours in other counties to learn more about peace building and the government should recognize peace representatives and pay them salaries.