Abstract:
This research is about the concept of decentralization as a means to management of
ethnic conflict, through one of its aspect of devolution. It is centred on the historical
ethnic conflict in Tana River County in Kenya, pitting the agriculturalist Pokomo versus
pastoralist Orma over natural resources, e.g. land.
This study was informed by the theory of conflict research. This theory approaches
conflict management by way of defining the underlying issues which are core in a
particular conflict situation, identifies parties’ interests and structures that accord
opportunity for conflict. It also proposes how contenders in a conflict should recognize
and accommodate each other in an atmosphere where there are either scarce or surplus
resources.
This study deployed a qualitative approach in order to enable the researcher obtain in depth information from purposively selected respondents, believed to be in possession of the necessary information to enrich the study. Hence, individuals involved with
implementation of devolution were the ones identified for that purpose.
The study found out a number of issues that perpetuate the ethnic atrocities in the Tana
Delta involving the two belligerent communities. These included land use and ownership,
religious and life style differences, structural alienation, politics and negative ethnicity,
among others. It also informs of the keen effort of the Tana River County Government
(devolved unit) to address the problem through public engagement and deployment of
administrative and government resources.
Finally, this study intends to offer solutions to new approaches to solve perennial ethnic
conflicts which policy makers can tap on to, adopt and apply. It is also intended to enrich
the field of knowledge in this area as well as provide a platform for other researchers to
base on in conducting further studies in the area.
