Influence of peace building strategies on ethnic cohesion among communities in mount Elgon sub-county, Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to evaluate the influence of peace building strategies on ethnic cohesion among inMt. ElgonSub-Countyin Bungoma County. This study specifically sought to: establishhow trauma healing as a peace building strategy influence ethnic cohesion; evaluate how resettlement influence ethnic cohesion; determine how community dialogue contribute to cohesion and finally; and examine how capacity building influence ethnic cohesion among communities in Mt. ElgonSub-County.This Study was important as it explicitly brought out the practical and effective strategies that seek to address root causes of ethnic conflicts in Mt. Elgon Sub County. This information isuseful to state and non-state actors as well as institutions seeking to foster sustainable peace and development in the region. Various methods of data collection and analysis were used in this study. Descriptive survey research designwas used, with the questionnaire and interview schedule to collect Primary data. Secondary data was collected from published and unpublished literature. Data analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics. Sample for the study was 384 drawn from a target population of 172,377. Response rate was at 98.7%. Interviews were held with community opinion leaders; state and non-state actors involved in peace Building in the area.Purposive and stratified sampling techniques were widely used in this study. Both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were used to analyze the data.The theoretical approach of the study stems from foundations of Relational -Cultural Theory (RCT) which brings relationships to the forefront of human psychology. It examines the complexity of human relationships, using concepts of connection and disconnection, it argues that if there is process of breaking down isolation, polarization, division, prejudice and stereotypes between/among groups, then strong relationships as a central ingredient for Peacebuilding and community resilience may emerge. In conclusion, the study found that identity and resources are the major causes of Ethnic violence in Mt. Elgon Sub County. Community dialogues have not been embraced to the extent it deserves due to protracted violence. There are many disgruntled and traumatized people in the area (including former SLDF combatants and widows) in the way communities and the government handles the question of resettlement and poses a challenge to ethnic cohesion. The study concludes that skills and knowledge building has been left to nonstate actors who come with short term interventions that fail to completely facilitate processes that seek to address structural factors. Religious structures are strategically placed in ensuring continued cohesion in the area but they also lack adequate capacity. Trauma healing is critical in ensuring that Reconciliation for societies that have undergone conflicts; this study concludes that very little has been done in this regard, yet this strategy is central to transforming human relations and ethnic cohesion.This study recommend that; the County Government and other Peace actors to support stakeholder dialogues and conversations to build trust and promote a culture of tolerance among adversarial groups. Relevant state actors to Fast-track the land titling process and initiate process of collecting and collating data on genuine IDPs with a view to designing a resettlement, return and re-integration plan for the IDPs in Mt. Elgon sub County; The County Government of Bungoma should invest more in building the capacities of communities towards self-advocacy to address poverty and governance issues. Policy makers should invest more in training psychiatry and psychosocial counselors in the region. This should include Religious leaders and institutions.