CULTURAL FACTORS THAT ENHANCE INTER-ETHNIC CONFLICT RESOLUTION INLAISAMIS SUB-COUNTY, MARSABIT COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Africa experiences significant levels of inter-ethnic conflict. These conflicts have caused loss of life and property, human displacement, cattle rustling and slow socio economic growth. This study sought to investigate how cultural factors enhance inter ethnic conflict resolution in Laisamis Sub-county, Marsabit County in Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to; to determine the influence of rite of passage on inter ethnic conflict resolution in Laisamis Sub-county, Marsabit County, Kenya, to establish the extent to which traditional leadership structures enhance inter-ethnic conflict resolution in Laisamis Sub-county, Marsabit County, Kenya, to assess the role played by gender in enhancing inter-ethnic conflict resolution in Laisamis Sub-county, Marsabit County, Kenya and to assess the influence of community livelihood on inter ethnic conflict resolution in Laisamis Sub-county, Marsabit County, Kenya. The study used mixed research design. The target population constituted 292 leaders of Laisamis Sub-county. A sample of 123 respondents was selected using both purposive and simple random sampling methods. The study used a questionnaire, key informant interview schedule and focus group discussions guide to collect data. Response from key informant interviews and focus group discussions were organized into themes and analyzed qualitatively. The findings were presented using frequencies and percentages. The results indicated that cultural factors do indeed enhance inter-ethnic conflict resolution in the study area. Majority of the respondents indicated that the rite of passage, traditional leadership, gender and nomadic lifestyle have an influence on inter ethnic conflict resolution in Laisamis Sub-county of Marsabit County. The study concluded that most of the conflicts in Laisamis could be resolved through proper sensitization of the youth during the rites of passage ceremonies. Effective traditional leadership also plays a role in enhancing conflict resolution in the area. Gender and nomadic lifestyle also had an influence on the effectiveness of conflict resolution. There is therefore need to sensitize the communities on the most appropriate inter-ethnic conflict resolution strategies found in the local cultural attributes and activities. This study is expected to add value to the existing theories on conflict resolution and to existing knowledge in the field of inter-ethnic conflict resolution. Besides, it is expected to provide information to different organs of the government and stakeholders with interest on the inter-ethnic conflict resolution