Factors affecting peace building efforts in Kuria District, Migori County, Kenya

Abstract

The study examines factors affecting peace building efforts in Kuria District using an analysis of Black's Social Control Theory and Thomas-Kilmann's Model of Conflict Management. The successful amalgamation of diverse groups has radically shifted from being a platform for peaceful coexistence to an arena of violent conflicts due to the matrix of social inequality and the state attempts to undermine the power of social control systems. The study therefore was confined to achieving the following objectives; Assessing the extent to which Economic resources, Education, Social factors and cultural factors affect peace Building in Kuria Districts, Migori Country.

The study would be useful to policy members and NGOs across the globe on the need for a comprehensive and viable strategy on peace building hence the need for a policy framework that will articulate the country's vision and strategy in cognizance of our National values with special emphasis on National unity and Nationhood The methodology that was used in this study involved surveys of the existing indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms, and the existing formal institutions and interviews with the community.

Structured questionnaires and interviews schedules were used to collect information from the respondents. Questionnaires were delivered and picked by tile researcher as interviews were conducted at the same time. Reliability was established through 1I:st m-test method and data analysis done using descriptive statistics. The study reveals that the use of natural economic resources has been a major factor affecting peace building efforts and there is need for a strong customary natural resource governing mechanisms and that the elders need to control daily use of the available natural resources and arbitrate matters of peace and justice.

On education it is revealed that it plays a role through having good policies and practices; peace forums and promotion of narratives that omit any reference to clanism and lastly achievement of basic education so that the society become change agents. On the social factors, Political leaders urgently need to spear head and facilitate physical structure development, establishment of service provision facilities and to carry out capacity buildings for their communities on peace building processes in the context of linking conflict and development.