Effects of Interethnic Conflicts on Rural People’Livelihoods in Kenya - Case of Kenyenya and Rongo Sub-Counties in the Lake Victoria Basin

Abstract

This study sought to establish the effects of interethnic conflict on Rural People’s Livelihoods in Kenyenya and Rongo Sub-counties, Lake Victoria Basin, Kenya. The specific objective was to investigate the effects of interethnic conflicts on livelihoods of people along the border. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The target Population consisted of 3940 households along the borders of Kenyenya and Rongo Sub-counties. 434 households consisting of 10% of the target population were selected using simple random sampling and while 32 key informants were purposeful selected. Data was collected from primary source using the local people who have been affected by the ethnic conflict. Data was collected using questionnaire and interview schedules and analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic data analysis (content analysis) while the quantitative data was subjected to descriptive statistical analysis. The findings were presented in frequency distribution tables and graphs. It was established that there is ethnic conflict along the borders of Kenyenya and Rongo borders involving the Luo, Kisii and Maasai Communities. The findings established that inter-ethnic conflict along the borders affected the smooth running economic activities of the people. The inter-ethnic conflict caused loss of income to the victims of violence. There was also disruption of trade during the conflicts. The study recommended the need to establish a peace building process along the borders of Kenyenya and Rongo Subcounties among grass communities to improve their role in ethnic conflict resolution. Since historical days, traditional institutions were important in creating peace, security, law and order.