Underlying causes of inter-ethnic conflict In Tana River County, Kenya

• Main Author: Mohamed, Adey
• Other Authors: Tuso, Hamdesa (Peace and Conflict Studies)
• Published: 2015
• Subjects: Pokomo; Orma; Conflict; Kenya
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1993/30598

This study was set to assess the inter-ethnic conflict between the Pokomo farmers and the Orma pastoralists in Tana River, Kenya. It aimed at determining the underlying causes of the conflict, and in doing so, identify how peaceful co-existence between these groups could be achieved. The study was guided by the assumption that the conflict is about competing perceptions of land among groups due to their conflicting lifestyles. The researcher used qualitative case study methods incorporating purposeful sampling. The field method included informal one-on-one interviews with local residents from the Pokomo, Orma, and Wardei communities. Secondary data was also used, including archives, government publications, and scholarly journals and books, and news sources. From the research findings, it was concluded that there is a need for balanced policies on land in Tana River, Kenya, involving all the stakeholders, such as the local residents, the Kenyan government, the Kenyan population at large, and potential investors. In this sense, the Tana River conflict is a microcosm of larger issues related to neo-colonialism, and national, political and economic sovereignty in Africa.