Understanding devolution in ethnic conflict management: a study of Tana River County in Kenya

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.