Thesis:

Influence of conflict management strategies on peacebuilding among pastoralist communities in Laikipia west, sub county, Kenya

Peace is central for sustainable development, it promotes non-violent societies, fair court treatment, human rights respect, strong law regulation, and transparent institutes. However, the emergence of conflict can threaten regional peace and security. Therefore, this research aimed to assess the influence of conflict management strategies on peace-building among pastoralist communities in Laikipia West Sub County, Kenya. The objectives of this research included: to determine the influence of mediation strategy on peace-building in pastoralist communities, to establish the influence of reconciliation strategy on peace-building in pastoralist communities, to assess the influence of good governance strategy on peace-building in pastoralist communities, and to evaluate the influence of the gender mainstreaming strategy on peace-building in pastoralist communities in Laikipia West, Sub County, Kenya. The study employed a descriptive survey design to concisely and precisely outline descriptive and inferential statistics to understand the phenomena under investigation. The study’s target population was 37,844 households. The study’s sample size was 256 participants. A proportional stratified random sampling was used to sample pastoralist communities per household (ward), while purposive sampling chose and identified key informants. The study collected primary data using questionnaires and an interview guide. The study used SPSS version 25 to analyze quantitative data and used the correlation tests to establish a correlation between independent variables (mediation, reconciliation, good governance, gender mainstreaming) and dependent variables (peace-building). The study’s findings were presented using tables and figures suitable for the dataset. The qualitative data was analyzed by content and thematic analysis and presented using narratives, common themes, patterns, and trends. The researcher upheld ethical considerations. The study found a significant negative correlation between mediation strategy and peacebuilding initiatives among pastoral communities, with a Pearson correlation of r=-0.298, P<.05. The study revealed a significant negative correlation between peace-building and reconciliation strategy among pastoral communities in Laikipia West Sub County at (r = -0.309, p < .05). The study found a strong positive correlation between peace-building and good governance strategy among pastoral communities in Laikipia West sub-county, at (r = 0.560, p< .05). The study found a moderate positive correlation between gender mainstreaming strategy and peacebuilding among pastoral communities, as denoted by r= 0.400, P<.05. The study concludes that mediation and reconciliation strategies are ineffective in promoting peace-building among pastoral communities and with a weakly negative correlation between peace-building and mediation and reconciliation strategies respectively. The study concluded that good governance and gender mainstreaming strategies positively influenced peace-building in pastoral communities, and had a positive correlation with peace-building in the Laikipia West sub-county. The study recommends community based mediation, reconciliation, and good governance strategies to resolve conflicts. Further, advocates for gender mainstreaming and the involvement of local traditions. Further, a comprehensive policy framework needs to be developed, to involve collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, and international partners to improve conflict management in Laikipia West sub-county.