Infuence of socio-economic factors on ethnic conflicts in Endebess sub-county, Trans nzoia county in Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to examine the influence of socio-economic factors on ethnic conflicts in Endebess Sub-county, Trans Nzoia County in Kenya. The research specifically sought to establish the influence of socio-cultural, political, economic and security related factors influencing ethnic conflicts. The study findings are significant to conflict management practitioners, scholars, policy analysts and to the communities living in the sub-county. The study provides in depth information upon which the conflict management practitioners can draw lessons for use in their design of projects for intervention while scholars can gain from the theoretical arguments and suggestions for new lines of research. The policy analysts can enrich their justification for policy reviews and development. The study applied the Cross – Cultural Research design. Methods for data collection and analysis included Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Questionnaires, interviews and observation. A sample size of 384 was targeted but a response rate of 397 was achieved. Several sampling techniques were used including stratified, multistage, and simple random sampling. Non probability sampling methods like purposive and snowball were widely used. Secondary data was obtained from both published and unpublished literature. Both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were used. The theoretical framework was built on the tenets of Symbolic Politics Theory to analyze the occurrence of ethnic conflicts. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics that included mean, and mode and Inferential statistics like Chi Square tests. In conclusion, the study found that economic factors comprising historical land injustices (49.4%), inequitable distribution of economic resources and opportunities (44.8%), land resettlement problems (66.9%), competition over resource use (45.6%) and insecure land ownership (67.3%) influenced ethnic conflicts in the area. Socio – cultural factors that included symbols and artifacts (12.9%) like trees and caves, intolerance in beliefs (15.1%), ethnic/clan rivalry (57.9%), high illiteracy level (60.4%) and moranism and/or heroism (16.9%) contributed to the occurrence of ethnic conflicts. Politics played a fundamental role through militia groups (14.9%) such as Jubilee boys in the area, funding ethnic clashes (76.6%) and ethnic alignment to political parties (39%) in the area. Security related factors that included proliferation of small arms (33%), violent crimes (48.8%), threats against members of certain communities (43.6%) and inefficiency of the security agencies sustained and enhanced ethnic conflicts in the study area. The study recommends equitable distribution of economic resources and opportunities to the landless poor as well as redressing colonial wrongs and re-establishing justice in the land sector. The council of elders from every ethnic community in the subcounty should be re-energized as they are very essential and paramount in resolving conflicts before they escalate. County Cohesion structures should be established, strengthened and supported by the county government to promote peaceful coexistence in the area. Establish effective Conflict Early Warning and Early Response Mechanisms. Civil disarmament should be encouraged.