Local Peace Building Strategies And Promotion of Human Security in Loima Sub-County, Turkana County, Kenya

Abstract

Local peacebuilding strategies in Loima Sub-County, Turkana County, are fundamental to promoting human security, reducing inter-community conflicts, and enhancing socio-economic development. Despite their critical importance, local peacebuilding strategies in Loima SubCounty continue to face persistent challenges; therefore, the study sought to assess the role of local peacebuilding strategies promoting human security in Loima Sub-County, Turkana County. Specifically, the study sought to establish how local governance influences the promotion of human security in Loima sub-county. In addition, the study sought to examine how community-led peace initiatives promote human security in Loima sub-county. The study also sought to assess how the legal frameworks supporting local peacebuilding strategies influence the promotion of human security in Loima sub-county. The study was guided by Liberal theory, Peacebuilding theory, Lederach’s Moral Imagination Framework and Human Security theory. This study employed a descriptive survey research design. The study was conducted in Loima Sub-County, located in Turkana County. The target population for this study consisted of 5 Senior Chiefs, 5 Assistant Chiefs, 1,796 elders, 900 kraal leaders, 6,227 youths, 9,000 women, and 30 representatives of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) drawn from the three main centres of Lokiriama, Lorengippi, and Urum in Loima Sub-County, Turkana County. The sample size was calculated using Slovin’s formula, yielding a sample of 376 respondents. The study relied on primary data collected through a questionnaire and an interview schedule. A pilot study was conducted in Loima Sub-County using 38 respondents who did not form part of the main study sample. Qualitative data collected through open-ended questions in questionnaires and interviews were analysed using thematic analysis and presented in prose. Quantitative data collected through structured questionnaires were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version and presented in the form of percentages and frequencies. The findings revealed that local governance plays a significant role in promoting human security in Loima Sub-County; a majority of the respondents were aware of local peacebuilding strategies. The most commonly used strategies include traditional elder mediation, community dialogues, and inter-clan peace agreements. Youth engagement programs and government-led interventions are also in place, but to a lesser extent. The key actors in implementing these strategies are largely NGOs and civil society organisations, followed by local elders and local government authorities. The study also found that community-led peace initiatives have a significant positive influence on human security. A majority of community members in Loima Sub-County believe that local peacebuilding approaches have played a significant role in minimising violence and enhancing social cohesion. Moreover, the study concluded that the strategies have enhanced access to important common resources, including water and grazing land, particularly in areas affected by past conflict. The study also showed that there is a gap in community members’ legal knowledge in Loima Sub-County, as they are not familiar with the legal frameworks that underpin peacebuilding. The study recommends that the government should formalise and strengthen local peace agreements by integrating community-based mechanisms with formal legal systems. This approach aims to enhance the enforcement and sustainability of peace efforts. On a practical level, stakeholders should carry out targeted awareness campaigns to improve community understanding, participation, and engagement in peacebuilding initiatives. Furthermore, future research should investigate the role of women in peacebuilding within pastoralist communities.