Tales of Turmoil: Unravelling Trends and Legacies of Resource Conflict on Women in Laikipia West Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

This article discusses trends of inter-ethnic conflict in Laikipia West Sub-County and the effects of the conflict on women. Inter- ethnic conflict in the study area can be traced back to the period before 1895 when the white settlers began establishing their homes in Laikipia County. Prior to the British colonization, this area was largely dominated by the Maasai and Samburu communities who were pastoralists. With the coming of white settlers most of the lands were seized and the communities displaced from their areas. Many white settlers opted to practice ranching since most of the lands were semi-arid. Later immigrants resulted to irrigation agriculture leading to the horticultural boom in Laikipia in the 1980s. With the coming of the whites and the existence of inadequate pastures for the pastoral communities, the area has continued to witness unceasing conflicts. This article examined the historical trends of the conflict and the effects of conflict on women in Laikipia West Sub-County. This study employed the conflict theory by Karl Marx. In respect to this, data was obtained from primary and secondary sources. Primary data was obtained from the Kenya National Archives in Nairobi and from oral interviews with relevant informants. Secondary data was obtained from relevant books, journal articles, internet, theses, and conference papers. Data obtained was then evaluated and analysed. Data was analysed in three analytical frames namely: theoretical framework, documentary review and content analysis