| dc.description.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. | en_US |
