Extractives Industries and Conflict: Reduction of Risks Associated with Extractive Industries in Turkana County, Kenya

Fr. Areman L. Paul,Phd Student At The School Of Arts & Social Sciences - Moi University, P.o. Box 3900, Eldoret – 30100, Kenya

doi:10.47191/ijcsrr/v5-i2-01

Fr. Areman L. Paul, Phd Student At The School Of Arts & Social Sciences - Moi University, P.o. Box 3900, Eldoret – 30100, Kenya

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.47191/ijcsrr/v5-i2-01

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Abstract

African countries endowed with natural resources, especially oil have seen violent conflicts due to poor management of the natural resources. Violent conflicts largely where local communities have been systematically excluded from decision-making processes and when the economic benefits are concentrated in the hands of a few thereby causing economic disequilibrium in the society. Misuse of the natural resources has frequently been cited as the main factor that activates, increase or support violent conflicts around the world. When the key stakeholders disagree on the management, distribution and protection of natural resources and related bionetworks. Natural resource conflicts arise when parties disagree about the management, distribution and protection of natural resources and related ecosystems. These conflicts can heighten into brutal relations and violence when the parties are incapable or reluctant to engage in a positive process of dialogue and conflict resolution. While there are many issues associated with extractive industries, the role of natural resources in triggering, escalating or sustaining violent conflict is the focus of this survey and consequently offer relevant in reducing these conflicts so that the natural resources found in Turkana County can truly be a blessing and a catalyst for poverty reduction in Turkana County. Conflict turns out to be difficult once societal mechanisms and institutions for handling and determining conflict break down, giving way to violence. Societies with weak institutions, fragile political systems and divisive social relations can be drawn into cycles of conflict and violence. Preventing this negative spiral and ensuring the peaceful resolution of disputes is a core interest of the international community. The general objective of the survey was to offer strategies in reducing conflicts associated with extractive industries. The methodology used in this survey was both qualitative and quantitative. The research design employed was descriptive survey design. The sample size was 270 heads of households and 20 stakeholders working in Turkana South and East Sub-Counties respectively. The data was collected using questionnaires and interview guides combined with observation schedules. The findings of the survey reveal that indeed extractive industries and conflicts are twins and hence there is need to address conflicts to turn natural resources into a blessing for the society.

Highlights

In spite of oil companies claim that they are doing enough in terms of bringing development to the host communities, the host communities remain hostile and constantly at variance with the oil company
Two pertinent questions in this research are: What is the community perception of the extractive industries? Will the natural resource wealth in Turkana County lead to sustainable livelihood? These are questions that require to be answered in a bid to ensure that oil discovery in Turkana County becomes a blessing and leading to improved standards of living among the residents of Turkana County
How do you rate your relationship with extractive industries in your area?

Summary

Introduction

In spite of oil companies claim that they are doing enough in terms of bringing development to the host communities, the host communities remain hostile and constantly at variance with the oil company. It is against such background that it becomes necessary to examine the effectiveness of the efforts of oil companies in Turkana County in answering the development needs of the host communities. These are questions that require to be answered in a bid to ensure that oil discovery in Turkana County becomes a blessing and leading to improved standards of living among the residents of Turkana County. The ownership of land in Turkana is communal which is held in trust by the Turkana County government for the pastoralists communities the majority of it has been allocated to oil blocks in agreements with investors (Mkutu and Wandera, 2016)

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