Abstract
Ethnic conflicts remain the biggest setback to the development of many African nations today, Kenya included. This study analysed the emerging trends and reasons for the persistence of inter-ethnic conflicts in Kenya. It was undertaken in the context of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) and was done in inter-ethnic prone Counties in Kenya including Nakuru, Eldoret, Laikipia and Mombasa. The study population was 1,624,345 PCEA members drawn from Nakuru west, Nakuru East, Njoro, Elburgon, Laikipia, Eldoret and Mombasa Presbyteries which are perceived as inter-ethnic conflicts dominant. A sample size of 384 respondents obtained through random sampling was selected from the presbyteries in the study locale. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design employing mixed methods of data collection. The instruments for data collection were questionnaires for the Church elders and members, structured interview guide for Church ministers and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) for victims. The study established that the major reasons for the persistence of inter-ethnic conflicts in Kenya are radicalization, economic imperialism, elite manipulation, deep-rooted cultural practices and language prejudices. These are the vices that must be eradicated if at all the inter-ethnic conflicts which have been the major hiccups to the socio-political and economic development of Kenya will be effectively addressed. Key Words : Kenya; inter-ethnic conflicts, Presbyterian Church of East Africa DOI : 10.7176/RHSS/9-16-05 Publication date : August 31 st 2019
Highlights
Since the end of the Cold War in 1980s, the world has witnessed an increasing number of inter-ethnic conflicts
Seven selected Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) presbyteries located in Counties where inter-ethnic conflicts have been reported dominant namely Nakuru west, Nakuru East, Njoro, Elburgon, Eldoret, Laikipia and Mombasa were purposely selected for this study
38 PCEA elders and 342 ordinary church members provided with reasons they perceived as the cause of the persistence of ethnic conflicts in Kenya
Summary
Since the end of the Cold War in 1980s, the world has witnessed an increasing number of inter-ethnic conflicts. In Africa, ethnic conflict is inherently a problem that requires effective peace building strategies to ensure ethnic tolerance and cohesion (Lynch, 2011). In Kenya, there has been a marked increase in ethnic conflicts in the recent times (Onyebadi & Oyedeji, 2011). Kenyan politics have been guided by ethnic politicking and competition, ethnic conflicts in 1992, 2002 and climaxed by the grave 2007/08 postelection violence which had a repugnant effect on this country. The conflicts in Kenya are multiple and overlapping resulting from a range of factors including ethnic intolerance; historical injustices; border conflicts; ethno-regionalist sentiments and political party zoning; radicalisation; competition over land and other resources; proliferation of small arms; weak security; poverty, underdevelopment, and marginalisation. Inter-communal violence risks being increased by competition over the fruits of devolution and elite manipulation of local communities (Ombaka, 2015; Dowd & Raleigh, 2013; Halakhe, 2013; Sharamo, 2014; Boone, 2011)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
