North Rift Research Articles

Effect of Site and Variety on Yield of Seed Potato in the North Rift Region of Kenya

Abstract Potato is Kenya’s second staple food crop, grown by small scale farmers who recycle seed due to unavailability of certified one, resulting in diseases build-up that reduces yields. The subdivision of once seed farms and change of use in the 1980’s effectively limit availability of suitable land for seed production against high demand of quality seed. Hence search for alternative sites in the North Rift for seed production are being explored. However, current varieties in commercial production were not evaluated for their performance in this region. The objectives of the study were to identify suitable potato varieties for seed production and for which elevation in the region.Well sprouted seed tubers of six local varieties were planted at Kitale (1901 m), Kapcherop (2386 m) and Kibigos (2887 m) above sea level following recommended management practices. Plant emergence was slowest at Kibigos while fastest at Kitale. Stem density varied with varieties and attained maximum numbers at 56 days after planting. Most of the varieties had 80% of tubers in seed grade 70 days after planting at Kitale. Introduction of potato varieties should be preceded by evaluation for their performance as some varieties seem more suitable while others do well across the sites for seed production. In cooler areas like Kapcherop and Kibigos potato tubers remain younger, emerge slowly compared to warmer areas, but attain maximum emergence 30 days after planting. Some varieties like Dutch Ronjin, have high number of tubers in seed size category while some have more ware size potatoes grown in same elevation for the same growth period.

INFLUENCE OF INSTRUCTIONAL SUPERVISION ON CURRICULUM IMPLEMENTATION IN SELECTED NORTH RIFT, KENYA COUNTIES PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS

The aim of this paper is to describe how instructional supervision activities influenced curriculum implementation in selected North Rift counties public secondary schools in Kenya. Key educational stakeholders in the region are concerned with deteriorating quality education and that is why the study determined how internal quality assurance and standards of instructional supervision was carried out in the schools. This study was conducted in three counties in Kenya; Elgeyo-Marakwet, West Pokot and Baringo Counties. The paper adopted a descriptive survey research design targeting teachers, principals and sub counties quality assurance and standards officers. The study used questionnaire and interview schedule as instruments of data collection. Data analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data analysis was done using thematic method. Research findings showed that instructional supervision had a significant influence (β=0.203 and p=0.05) on curriculum implementation in schools. the paper recommends that there is need for principals to continuously work with teachers on how to improve and revolutionise their teaching and learning approaches to match with the current and global trends in the teaching profession. Article visualizations:

ANTI-PLASMODIAL ACTIVITY OF SOME MEDICINAL PLANTS USED FOR TREATMENT OF MALARIA AND SYNERGISM OF METHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF CARISSA EDULIS AND ARTEMISIA ANNUA

The increasing prevalence and distribution of malaria has been attributed to a number of factors, one of them being the emergence and spread of drug resistant parasites. Efforts are now being directed towards the discovery and development of new chemically diverse anti-malarial agents. The present study reports on the in vitro anti-plasmodial activity of 15 selected medicinal plants used widely by the traditional healers to treat malaria in the North Rift parts of Kenya. The plant extracts were tested for in vitro activity against chloroquin-senitive (D6) strains of plasmodium falciparum parasites. Of the 15 species assayed, 40% showed promising anti-plasmodial activity of IC50 ≤ 10 µg/ml, while another 40% showed moderate activity of IC50 between 10 – 50 µg/ml and 20% had weak activity of IC50 between 50 – 100 µg/ml. These results justify the correlation between traditional uses of the plants with their bioactivity. Synergism between total extract of Atemisia annua and Carissa edulis ware also analyzed using combination ratios of 10:90 to 90:10 respectively against P.falciparum parasites. This led to the identification of anti-malarial combination therapy of methanolic extracts of the two plants with sum of fraction inhibiting concentration (FIC) of 0.74 at 50% combination ratios. These results support a rational rather than random approach to the selection of anti-plasmodial screening candidates, and identify a number of promising plants for further investigation as plant-based anti-malarial agents.

Determinants of Strategic Innovation Implementation in the Banking Sector: A Survey of Commercial Banks in North Rift Region

Determinants of Strategic Innovation Implementation in the Banking Sector: A Survey of Commercial Banks in North Rift Region

Alysis of Socio-economic Factors Influencing the Adoption of Breeding Technologies among Dairy Farmers in the North Rift Region of Kenya

alysis of Socio-economic Factors Influencing the Adoption of Breeding Technologies among Dairy Farmers in the North Rift Region of Kenya

Role of Working Conditions on Organization Citizenship Behaviour in the Banking Industry: A Survey of Barclays Bank in North Rift Region

Role of Working Conditions on Organization Citizenship Behaviour in the Banking Industry: A Survey of Barclays Bank in North Rift Region

Explosive processes during the 2015 eruption of Axial Seamount, as recorded by seafloor hydrophones

AbstractFollowing the installation of the Ocean Observatories Initiative cabled array, the 2015 eruption of Axial Seamount, Juan de Fuca ridge, became the first submarine eruption to be captured in real time by seafloor seismic and acoustic instruments. This eruption also marked the first instance where the entire eruption cycle of a submarine volcano, from the previous eruption in 2011 to the end of the month‐long 2015 event, was monitored continuously using autonomous ocean bottom hydrophones. Impulsive sounds associated with explosive lava‐water interactions are identified within hydrophone records during both eruptions. Explosions within the caldera are acoustically distinguishable from those occurring in association with north rift lava flows erupting in 2015. Acoustic data also record a series of broadband diffuse events, occurring in the waning phase of the eruption, and are interpreted as submarine Hawaiian explosions. This transition from gas‐poor to gas‐rich eruptive activity coincides with an increase in water temperature within the caldera and with a decrease in the rate of deflation. The last recorded diffuse events coincide with the end of the eruption, represented by the onset of inflation. All the observed explosion signals couple strongly into the water column, and only weakly into the solid Earth, demonstrating the importance of hydroacoustic observations as a complement to seismic and geodetic studies of submarine eruptions.

Teacher-Trainee Preparedness on Integration of ICT for Instruction in Selected Public Teacher Training Colleges in North Rift, Kenya

ICT is a very a very powerful medium of instruction in contemporary pedagogical processes. The aim of this study was to investigate teacher-trainee preparedness on the integration of ICT for learning in selected public teacher training colleges in North Rift, Kenya. The specific objectives were; to find out Teacher-Trainee planning process for use of ICT in teaching, determine teacher-trainee perception on integration of ICT in teaching and learning and to assess the teacher trainees’ use of e-materials during learning process. The study was guided by Davis’ Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Descriptive research design and mixed method approach was used in this study. This study used questionnaires, document analysis and observation as instruments of collecting data. Slovin's formula was used to obtain a sample of 352 respondents from a target population of 2946 respondents. Purposive sampling was used to select three colleges and 2 nd year students. Proportionate simple random sampling technique was used to select teacher trainees from the cohort of the 2 nd year students. The questionnaire was face validated by education experts while the reliability was established by piloting the research instruments through test re-retest method. A Pearson Product Moment Correlation reliability coefficient of 0.8 was obtained indicating that the instrument was reliable. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data obtained and results presented in frequencies and percentages. The study findings showed that majority of the teacher trainees used ICT in searching teaching and learning materials. Majority of teacher trainees believed that ICT helped in lesson preparation. Majority of the teacher trainees believed that they updated content of their subject areas through the internet. It also emerged that majority of the teacher-trainees believed that ICT had positive effect on the quality of teaching and learning. Majority of the teacher trainees believed that ICT could enhance students’ participation and feedback to teacher. Teacher-trainees occasionally used ICT applications during learning process. It was therefore concluded that teacher trainees needed basic skills in computer applications and that computer equipments be availed to all students for use in teaching and learning process. It was recommended that ICT be integrated into teacher education programmes to ensure adequate preparedness for classroom instruction.

Spatial Variability of Malnutrition and Predictions Based on Climate Change and Other Causal Factors: A Case Study of North Rift ASAL Counties of Kenya

Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses or imbalances in a person’s intake of energy and/or nutrients. The burden of childhood malnutrition in developing countries continues to rise posing significant obstacle to achievement of better child health interventions. Several factors are involved in causation of malnutrition with Arid and Semi-Arid lands greatly affected as a result of erratic weather patterns, droughts, conflicts, poor access to health services and food among others. This study aims at investigating the risk factors for child malnutrition in North Rift Arid and semi-Arid lands (ASAL) counties of Kenya based on the 2014 Demographic and Health survey (DHS) data. The main objective of the study was to determine and model various causal factors of malnutrition in ASAL areas of North Rift Kenya. Specifically (i) to determine the predictors of child malnutrition in the North Rift arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL) counties of Kenya (ii) to determine the level of influence of risk factors and (iii) Assess vulnerability to malnutrition using the DHS data and other causal Factors. Secondary analysis of 2014 Kenya Demographic and health survey data was conducted for the study area comprising of 2,278 children living in 151 clusters. The percentage of malnourished children in each cluster was computed based on the anthropometric z scores. Independent variables were various household level and environmental factors extracted at cluster level. Predictors of malnutrition were analysed using spatial lag model taking into account the spatial dependence in the datasets. Results obtained show significant predictors to be temperature, place of delivery, Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), poverty index, Illiteracy and drinking sources of water with strongest association observed between malnutrition and Temperature. A 1-unit increase in temperature was associated with 31% increase in malnutrition. Most constituencies in Turkana County are highly vulnerable to malnutrition based on factors significantly associated with malnutrition in ASAL Areas with Turkana North, central & South Constituencies most vulnerable. Areas of Samburu North bordering Turkana East constituency are also vulnerable and Eastern parts of Samburu East constituency. Most parts of Baringo, West pokot, Western parts of Turkana County and Laikipia counties recorded low to medium vulnerability. Temperature variation, EVI were observed to be likely drivers of malnutrition in ASAL areas. Spatial modelling of these factors better informs on specific areas to be targeted in nutrition based programmes.

Quest for Teacher Effectiveness Parameters

Teacher effectiveness is the capacity of teachers to perform their duties optimally and achieve desired educational goals and standards. The purpose of this study was to establish the factors influencing teacher effectiveness and quality education in public and private secondary schools in the north rift region. To establish factors that influence the effectiveness of teachers, the study employed descriptive research design, which entailed the collection of data using questionnaires observations and interviews. The target populations for the study were teachers and head teachers in selected public and private secondary schools. Stratified sampling method was used in the selection of permanent and temporary teachers, whereas purposive sampling method was used in the selection of head teachers. The study sampled 22 temporary teachers from the private schools and 100 teachers from public schools, where 13 were temporary teachers and 87 were permanent teachers. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings showed that a myriad of parameters gravitate around the teacher effectiveness concept and the earlier these parameters are isolated and teased out the better for the education fraternity. The study therefore recommends that parameters such administration, teachers, students, and classroom be leveraged to improve teacher effectiveness in both public and private secondary schools.

Seismic constraints on caldera dynamics from the 2015 Axial Seamount eruption.

Seismic observations in volcanically active calderas are challenging. A new cabled observatory atop Axial Seamount on the Juan de Fuca ridge allows unprecedented real-time monitoring of a submarine caldera. Beginning on 24 April 2015, the seismic network captured an eruption that culminated in explosive acoustic signals where lava erupted on the seafloor. Extensive seismic activity preceding the eruption shows that inflation is accommodated by the reactivation of an outward-dipping caldera ring fault, with strong tidal triggering indicating a critically stressed system. The ring fault accommodated deflation during the eruption and provided a pathway for a dike that propagated south and north beneath the caldera's east wall. Once north of the caldera, the eruption stepped westward, and a dike propagated along the extensional north rift.

Towards Peace and Sustainable Development in the North Rift Valley Region of Kenya

North Rift region is found the larger northern Kenya region. Most of the region is dry and is a home to pastoralist communities like the Pokot, Turkana and the Marakwet. Since the colonial era, the region has been marginalized by the successive governments. In fact, for the period that the British colonialists ruled Kenya, the northern frontier was closed to the general public. Pastoralists who live in this region depend mainly on scarce natural resources like pasture, water, natural vegetation and livestock. As such, there is pressure among the communities in terms of sharing thus leading to wars over boundaries, traditional migratory routes, and traditional grazing grounds. Northern Rift also has a very long boundary line with Uganda, Sudan and Ethiopia-countries that have at one time or another been affected by internal strife in the last thirty years leading to proliferation of small arms into the region. The sub counties in the North Rift have been marginalized for a long time hence illiteracy rates are very high and transport and communication is very poor. Since no meaningful investment has been put in place, there are high rates of unemployment. The pastoralists are forced by circumstances to lead sedentary lives hence their livelihoods and their fragile environment have deteriorated greatly. It is against this background that this study aimed at establishing ways of sustaining peace and development in the North Rift region. The study adopted the use of primary and secondary data collection. Primary data collection methods included survey questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions and participatory observation. The purposive sampling method was employed in determining key informant interview respondents and focus group discussion participants. However, for key informants, there was also a snow-balling sampling approach. In terms of analysis, this exercise incorporated elements of the Theory of Change-based evaluation approach. The evaluation exercise integrated conflict sensitive methodologies in the survey and analysis of findings. Hence, the inquiry included questions aimed at understanding contextual dynamics, as well as sets of questions seeking to measure the extent of realization of project goals. Since peace building programs are not insulated from conflict blindness, conflict sensitive lens specifically the Do No Harm/Local Capacities for Peace framework was used to examine the impact of the intervention on the conflict dynamics. The SPSS software was used to analyze quantitative data. It was established that conflict mitigating and peace initiatives that have been employed in the North Rift inter alia tracking and arresting of perpetrators of conflicts by the government, creation and activation of community security and vigilante groups, strengthening of elders courts to arbitrate over conflict cases, recovery of stolen animals, introduction of alternative livelihoods, use of traditional early warning systems, inter community peace dialogues, peace committees, and inter community common grazing patterns. Communities have collaborated with NGOs for peace initiatives, relief services and long term development initiatives aimed at sustainable alternative livelihoods. World Vision Kenya has been at the forefront in this regard through a five year peace project, meant to bring peace among the warring communities.

Factors Affecting Performance of Inventory Tracking and Tracing System at Mechanical Stations in North Rift, Kenya

This research aims to evaluate the factors affecting effectiveness of a modern inventory tracking system in improving the logistics performance in public sector.A survey in the ministry of transport and infrastructure stations in the northern rift valley formed area for this study. In today’s competitive marketplace which is characterized by rapidly changing business requirements, leveraging leading edge technologies and adopting best practices are essential in order to ensure sound logistical support that guarantees both effectiveness and efficiency in the transportation processes. The main purpose of this research project is therefore to establish that the use of information technology is feasible in transport industries, explain possible obstacles and also any major advantages of its implementation. Secondly, as regards the theoretical aspect, a broadened view on the use of various positioning, and factors affecting effective inventory management systems. Within north Rift region, the division has no visibility progress on inventory while on transit, ware houses (stores) and relay heavily on manual information processing. Likewise, monitoring of whereabouts of its road working equipment to ensure they are not being misused. The region under the study has poor road network and inadequately cellular base station coverage. Quantitative statistical methods of analyzing limits will also be employed on the data collected from the field. Quantitative research, known as ’number-crunching’, uses techniques that apply more to numerical data, where researchers develop variables or concepts which can be measured, and transform them into specific data-collection techniques. Questionnaires that were collected from the field were assigned unique identity number (coded) to represent various respondents. They were tabulated and subjected to a statistical analysis. Charts and graphs were generated to enable the researcher to make sufficient conclusions.

Factors Influencing Trainee Career Choice in TVET Institutions in North Rift Kenya

<div><p><em>Career choice has always been a very challenging venture for most students in their transition from secondary school to higher learning institutions in most countries. Many factors come to play including self-motivation, influence by peers, parents and even performance in high school examinations. In Kenya, enrolment in market driven courses like engineering and hospitality has remained below capacity despite efforts by the Kenya government to boost it. The main objective of this study was to determine the factors that influenced trainees in their career choice in TVET institutions in North Rift of Kenya with the aim of assisting TVET institutions gain strategies to address skewness witnessed in enrolment in market driven courses. Survey research design was adopted for the study. The population for the study constituted of students and TVET providers in the TVET institutions in North Rift Kenya. Stratified random sampling technique was used to group students into the respective courses undertaken in the TVET institutions and simple random sampling technique was applied to select 316 respondents proportionately from the different strata. Questionnaires were the main research instruments used in the collection of data. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS and results presented in tabular and graphical forms. The research findings showed that student’s career choice was influenced by seven main factors. Among the recommendations was that secondary schools should come up with a career sensitization programme each year to help learners be better informed on available careers and current trends in the job market.</em></p></div>

Collaborative and Linkage Programs Between TVET Institutions and the Industry. A Case of TVET Institutions in North Rift Region, Kenya.

The industry-institute relationship as a result of industrial attachment program among TVET institutions plays a key role in ensuring up to date skill transfer among TVET graduates. This paper highlights the various forms of collaboration between TVET institutions and Industry in Kenya through an industrial attachment program. The study focused on TVET institutions in North Rift region, Kenya. The study adopted descriptive survey design. Stratified proportionate simple random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 245 respondents which included 30 lecturers, 3 industrial liaison officers, 5 workplace supervisors and 207 TVET students. The research instruments for data collection were; the structured questionnaire and interview schedule. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Descriptive statistics included frequencies, percentages and mean. Data was presented in form of pie charts, bar charts, and tables. The study recommends that training institutions need to strengthen institute-industry linkage to ensure quality training.

Evaluation of Selected Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) Genotypes for Resistance to Insect Pest Complex in Dry Areas of North Rift Valley, Kenya

Pigeonpea is an important pulse crop that has gained importance in semi-arid tropics, although its yield potential has not been fully realized due to biotic and abiotic stresses that limit its production. Insect pest complex of pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera), sucking bug (Clavigralla tomentosicollis) and pod fly (Melanagromyza cholcosoma) are the major limiting factors to its production causing up to 100% yield loss. The objective of this study was to evaluate resistant genotypes to insect pest complex in dry parts of North Rift Valley Kenya. The study was carried out in three sites (Kenya Agricultural Livestock Research Organization- Marigat, Agricultural Training Centre-Koibatek and Fluorspar-Chepsirei) for one season during long rain of April-November 2014 growing season. Sixteen ICRISAT elite genotypes were evaluated in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 75cm inter and 25 cm intra spacing. Significant (P≤0.05) differences in grain yield performance, incidence and severity of the insect pests were revealed in all sites. The damage was more severe in Marigat (Pod borer-37.2%, Sucking bug-39.3% and pod fly-5.9%) than ATC- Koibatek (Pod borer-1.9%, Sucking bug-8.4% and pod fly-5.9%) and Fluorspar (Pod borer-3.6%, Sucking bug-6.8% and pod fly-2.9%). Genotypes ICEAPs 00850R, 00902, 01541 and 1154-2 showed potential levels of resistance to the insect pest complex and high yields. Grain yield associated negatively (P≤0.05) with pod borer and sucking bug damage correlated non-significantly with pod fly damage. The potential genotypes identified in this study need to be further evaluated in two seasons and in other multi-locations to validate these findings to be used in breeding.

Best Bet Technology Package Development to Improve Sorghum Yields in Ethiopia Using the Decision Support System for Agro-Technology Transfer (DSSAT) Model

Sorghum is grown mainly in the semi-arid areas. In spite of the fact that there was observed high climate variability in the last few decades, rain fed sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] production is still an important source of food and feed in the semiarid regions of Ethiopia. Although sorghum is realized as crop tolerant to water deficit, compared with other semiarid crops in Ethiopia, climate variability and change has been challenging its production and no intensive crop simulation modeling was done as it was desired. In this study the CERES-Sorghum Model of Decision Support System for Agro-Technology Transfer (DSSAT) has been tested over the north Rift Valley of Ethiopia. We have checked what would be the best combination of management options under research and farmers’ practice conditions for each sites for the historical climatological periods (1980-2010) in which we have found that the model performs well in assimilating the real situation in our sentinel sites in both research and farmers’ management practices. The potential grain yield from the DSSAT model would go up to 2.5T/ha under best scenario rainfall seasons without applying the developed technology package application (which we call it farmer’s condition). The same sorghum variety has a potential yield of 6.2 T/ha if one can apply the recommended best bet technology packages (planting date, planting population, sowing data, fertilizer application rate and time) within the same season. Hereby we can assert that the application of the developed technology packages would make a difference of up to 3.7 T/ha of grain sorghum yield under the same season. Even though applying the technology packages according to the prevailing seasons would significantly matter the expected grain yield, the worst possible grain yield lose would be minimized by applying the best bet technology packages that fits the specific season. Moreover, the selected sentinel sites were few, the result can be extrapolated using the calibrated crop simulation modeling to larger areas to develop strategic plans to improve grain yield of sorghum in Ethiopia.

High Prevalence of HIV Low Abundance Drug-Resistant Variants in a Treatment-Naive Population in North Rift Kenya.

The advent of antiretroviral treatment (ART) has resulted in a dramatic reduction in AIDS-related morbidity and mortality. However, the emergence and spread of antiretroviral drug resistance (DR) threaten to negatively impact treatment regimens and compromise efforts to control the epidemic. It is recommended that surveillance of drug resistance occur in conjunction with scale-up efforts to ensure that appropriate first-line therapy is offered relative to the resistance that exists. However, standard resistance testing methods used in Sub-Saharan Africa rely on techniques that do not include low abundance DR variants (LADRVs) that have been documented to contribute to treatment failure. The use of next generation sequencing (NGS) has been shown to be more sensitive to LADRVS. We have carried out a preliminary investigation using NGS to determine the prevalence of LDRVS among a drug-naive population in North Rift Kenya. Antiretroviral-naive patients attending a care clinic in North Rift Kenya were requested to provide and with consent provided blood samples for DR analysis. DNA was extracted and amplified and nested PCR was conducted on the pol RT region using primers tagged with multiplex identifiers (MID). Resulting PCR amplicons were purified, quantified, and pyrosequenced using a GS FLX Titanium PicoTiterPlate (Roche). Valid pyrosequencing reads were aligned with HXB-2 and the frequency and distribution of nucleotide and amino acid changes were determined using an in-house Perl script. DR mutations were identified using the IAS-USA HIV DR mutation database. Sixty samples were successfully sequenced of which 26 were subtype A, 9 were subtype D, 2 were subtype C, and the remaining were recombinants. Forty-six (76.6%) had at least one drug resistance mutation, with 25 (41.6%) indicated as major and the remaining 21 (35%) indicated as minor. The most prevalent mutation was NRTI position K219Q/R (11/46, 24%) followed by NRTI M184V (5/46, 11%) and NNRTI K103N (4/46, 9%). Our use of NGS technology revealed a high prevalence of LADRVs among drug-naive populations in Kenya, a region with predominantly non-B subtypes. The impact of these mutations on the clinical outcome of ART can be ascertained only through long-term follow-up.

Adoption of East Coast Fever Vaccine among Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Kenya: The Case of North Rift Kenya

ABSTRACTDiseases are a major constraint limiting dairy cattle production, with East Coast Fever (ECF) ranking among those of high economic importance. The high cost of ECF control and treatment led to the development of the ECF vaccine, which is envisaged to be safer, cheaper and effective. The objective of this study was to identify factors influencing the uptake of this technology. One hundred and eighty one (181) randomly sampled smallholder dairy farmers from North Rift Kenya, where the vaccine had been introduced, were used to estimate the determinants of uptake of East Coast Fever (ECF) vaccine in these areas. Results showed that the vaccine was likely to be adopted by relatively well-off households whose main source of income was off-farm employment, had relatively large herd sizes and could afford to practise on-farm tick control. Farmers with higher levels of education and advanced in age were also likely to adopt the vaccine. The paper derives important policy implications for enhanced ECF vacci...

The Multi-factoral Nature of Inter-Ethnic Conflicts in North- Rift Frontier Border Lands, Kenya: Implications on Pastoralists welfare and Livelihoods

The Multi-factoral Nature of Inter-Ethnic Conflicts in North- Rift Frontier Border Lands, Kenya: Implications on Pastoralists welfare and Livelihoods Joram N. Kareithi Abstract Pastoral societies in Kenya's North Rift frontier regions have engaged in livestock raiding and related conflict as a cultural tradition and as a form of ecological adaptation to an otherwise difficult environment. However, the form the conflict has taken in recent years in terms of the magnitude, the level of destruction and plunder and the norms governing it goes beyond the traditional cultural norms and motivation. Regional instability and the spread of illegal small arms has led to changes in the scale and organization of inter- ethnic conflicts, while a shift in the traditional political authority at the local level has limited the ability of the class of elders to control the aggressive tendencies of the young warriors. At the national level the politics of ethnicity and politicized discontent in the multi-party era has led to the re-invention and use of conflicts not just for resource competition but also as a strategy to settle economic and political scores. This paper focuses on the multiplicity of factors in the inter-ethnic conflicts in the North rift frontier region and the impact of the conflict on livelihoods. The paper is largely limited to the conflict in Turkana, West Pokot, Marakwet district’s in Kenya and their neighbouring societies in Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia. The paper specifically, discusses the ethnicisation of politics, poverty, governance and the warrior culture as key ingredients to the conflicts. Full Text: PDF DOI: 10.15640/jaa.v3n1a3