Assessment of conflict resolution among Ndogoro and Soy clans of Mt. Elgon district (kobisiro division) based on religious mitigation strategies.

Abstract

Conflict in Africa is associated with resource competition, cattle rustling and wide availability of small arms. Particularly in Kenya causes of conflict among communities include but are not limited to intensified cattle rustling, proliferation of illicit arms and formation of armed forces. The study, however, sought to assess of conflict resolution among the Soy and Ndorobo clans of Mt. Elgon District based on the religious mitigation strategies. In doing this the study examined the effects of the two clans. The study adopted Burtons “human needs theory”. This theory operates on the premise that a pre-condition for the resolution of conflict is that fundamental human needs be met. Data for this study was gathered from both primary and secondary sources. Field research involved self-administered questionnaire’s and oral interviews. The researcher employed descriptive research design. In finding the rightful sample population, stratified random sampling procedure was used. The statistical packages SPSS were used in data analysis. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (simple statistical techniques) and the frequencies and percentages discussed and presented using tables and figures. The four categories of data were synthesized, integrated and presented thematically according to the objectives of the study. The research findings showed that the major causes of the conflict between the two communities mostly were caused by landlessness of most people in the community plus social and historical injustices among the communities. Four main recommendations include: counseling, supporting the orphans and the widows, uniting the community and lastly dealing with the social and historical injustices.