Thesis:

Inter-ethnic conflicts and socio - economic development in Turkana east sub-county - Kenya

The study sought to investigate the effects of inter –ethnic conflicts on social – economic development of Turkana East Sub - County. It endeavored to explain the problem of socio – economic decline which manifested in form of acute poverty, low literacy levels, high unemployment rates and insecurity. The study was guided by four objectives focusing on forced displacement, destruction of physical infrastructure, disruption of trade and investment and weakening of institutions. Cross – sectional survey research design was used in the study. The target population was 501 individuals who comprised of youth leaders, women leaders, members of council of elders, the business community, national government administrators and non - governmental organization officials in Turkana East sub - county. Yamane’ formula, was used in determining a sample size of 223 units of analysis from a target population of 501 individuals. To achieve proportionate representation of all units of analysis, stratified and simple random sampling methods were used. Data collection was done using questionnaires. An analysis of collected data has been done using descriptive statistics. Figures, histogram and frequency distribution tables have been used to present the analyzed data. The finding to the study was that inter - ethnic conflicts affected socio - economic development in Turkana East sub - county negatively through forced displacement, destruction of physical infrastructure, disruption of trade and investment and weakening of socio - economic governance institutions in Turkana East Sub - county. The study recommends that security policies to be formulated and implemented to manage inter - ethnic conflicts, authorities to increase surveillance to protect physical infrastructure, strengthen and reform government and community institutions to respond effectively to conflict situations. Creation of awareness on effects of inter - ethnic conflicts on socio - economic development of Turkana East Sub - county and the country at large to be prioritized.