Reducing long-term communal violence in Isiolo County, Northern Kenya

Abstract

Several variables have transformed the landscape of farmers-pastoralists’ conflict in Kenya and many other East African countries into what is undoubtedly violent and linked to larger political, economic, and social forces. Integration and clan interactions among the various farmers-pastoralist communities of Northern Kenya and the broader Horn of Africa region have been characterized by violence in the recent past, which has been linked with cattle rustling, communal tensions, expulsions, and massacres. Isiolo South borders Meru County, Garissa Laikipia, and Tana River counties are no exception. However, most of the violence reported involves Meru and Borana, Borana and Somali of Garissa and Borana, and communities living in Tana River County. The majority of people living in this county are from Borana communities. This study explored the nature, extent, trends, causes, and consequences of conflict and violence; the interventions were previously undertaken to reduce conflict and violence among farmer-herders’ communities and followed an action research framework to plan and implement interventions to reduce conflict and violence among the communities and evaluated the short-term outcome of the intervention. The study used dialogue to develop understanding and build good relationships among the communities in Isiolo County (Borana, Somali, and Meru) to reduce conflict and violence. Six (6) dialogue sessions were conducted involving the community members from the conflicting communities and the action team of 15 members, the district peace community, and civil societies. Dialogue was demonstrated as a conflict transformation technique that brings communities together, removes misunderstandings, educates, and informs. Through discussion, the opposing communities of Isiolo County achieved mutual understanding, which led to an investigation of the fundamental problem of conflict and violence. The accord resulted in official negotiations aimed at reducing longterm conflict and violence. The research contributes valuable insights and practical strategies for addressing communal violence in Isiolo County. It highlights the importance of building resilient communities through dialogue, education, and empowerment while emphasizing the need for continuous and adaptive approaches. To achieve enduring peace, stakeholders must commit to addressing the root causes of conflict and creating an enabling environment where all communities can coexist harmoniously and thrive collectively.