Bomet county peace and conflict profile

1Peace and conflict profile

BOMET COUNTYPEACE AND CONFLICT PROFILE

M i n i s t r y o f I n t e r i o r a n d C o o r d i n a t i o n o f N a t i o n a l G ove r n m e n t

N AT I O N A L S T E E R I N G C O M M I T T E EO N P E AC E B U I L D I N G & C O N F L I C T M A N A G E M E N T

AAM NIYNKE A

2014

Disclaimer:The views expressed in this report do not necessarily reflect the view of the Government of Kenya (GoK) orUnited States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Information gathering and review for Lamu County Peace and Conflict Profile was collected by Conflict Analysts from NSC comprising Thomson Muthama, Peter Mwamachi, Samwel Ngunjiri, James Owino and Ahmed Biko

The team was supported by field researchers: Babu Ayindo, Doreen Ruto, Muktar Liban, Shaba Varajab, Johnstone Kibor and Mugethi Gitau.

PACT support to the process was coordinated by Kassie Mc Ilvaine and Nikolai Hutchingson.

The entire process including data collection, compilation, review and stakeholders’ validation forums was coordinated by Kiarie Njuguna. Initial compilation was done by Dr. Makodingo Washington and the final review, compilation and editing done by Lazarus Kubasu Nolasco, Conflict Specialist Consultant, for the National Steering Committee on Peacebuilding and Conflict Management (NSC).

Overall leadership and direction was provided by S.K. Maina, EBS, the National Coordinator, National Steering Committee on Peace Building and Conflict Management (NSC).

Cover design and Layout by: Samuel Kinyanjui

ContentsAbbreviations 4

1.0 Introduction 61.1 The National Steering Committee on Peacebuilding and Conflict Management (NSC) 61.2 Rationale for County Peace and Conflict Profile 61.3 Methodology 7

2.0 County Demographics and Socio-Cultural Analysis 7

3.0 Priority Conflict Dynamics 103.1 Key Conflict Issues 10

4.0 Security Analysis 124.1 Epicenters of conflict and insecurity 12

5.0 Economic and Environmental Assessment 12

6.0 Political Risk Assessment of the County 13

7.0 Access to Justice and Dispute Resolution Mechanisms 14

8.0 Role of the National Government in Peacebuilding

and Conflict Management 14

9.0 Role of County Governments in Peacebuilding

and Conflict Management 159.1 Opportunities for Sustainable Peace and Security Processes 159.2 Recommendations from County Stakeholders 16

10.0 Quick-Win Propositions 18

4 Peace and conflict profile

AbbreviationsADR Alternate Dispute Resolution

CEWARN Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism

CEWERU Conflict Early Warning and Response Unit

CIDP County Integrated Development Plan

CJPC Catholic Justice and Peace Commission

CORD Coalition for the Reforms and Democracy

CPA County Policing Authority

CPMR Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution

CPF County Peace Forum

CRA Commission on Revenue Allocation

CRECO Constitution and Reform Education Consortium

CSO Civil Society Organization

CTF County Task Force

ESEDO Ecosystem Social Economic Development Organization

FGD Focus Group Discussions

GBV Gender Based Violence

GoK Government of Kenya

IDPs Internally Displaced Persons

IEBC Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission

IGAD Inter-Governmental Authority on Development

KANU Kenya African National Union

KEPSA Kenya Private Sector Association

KNBS Kenya National Bureau of Statistics


KWS Kenya Wildlife Service

MOI&NC Ministry of Interior and National Coordination

NCEWERS National Conflict Early Warning and Early Response System

NCCK National Council of Churches in Kenya

NCIC National Cohesion and Integration Commission

NEMA National Environment Management Authority

NIS National Intelligence Service

NLC National Land Commission

NPS National Peace Commission

NDMA National Drought Management Authority

NPS National Police Service

NSC-PBCM National Steering Committee on Peacebuilding and Conflict Management

ODM Orange Democratic Movement

PDA Peace Data Analyst

PDF Peace and Development Forum

PM Peace Monitors

PPF Provincial Peace Forum

PSI Pastoralists Shade Initiative

SCPC Sub-county Peace Committee

SRIC Security Research and Information Centre

SVI Smart Vote Initiative

UNDP United Nations Development Programme

USAID United States Agency for International Development


1.0 Introduction1.1 The National Steering Committee on Peacebuilding and Conflict

Management (NSC)

The National Steering Committee on Peacebuilding and Conflict Management (NSC) was established in 2001. It is an inter-agency committee comprising peace, security and development stakeholders. Its mandate is to consolidate and coordinate peacebuilding and conflict management initiatives in Kenya. The committee brings together peace stakeholders from relevant Government Ministries and Departments, civil society, development partners, and UN agencies.

In Kenya, the NSC is also the National Conflict Early Warning and Early Response Unit (CEWERU) under the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development’s (IGAD) Conflict Early Warning (CEWARN) mechanism with the mandate to implement the CEWARN Protocol. The NSC is served by a secretariat based within the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government. It has since developed the National Policy on Peacebuilding and Conflict Management that provides strategic direction to peace processes and strengthening of Kenya’s infrastructure for peace. It has also developed Standard Guidelines and Terms of Reference for the Establishment of Peace Structures.

1.2 Rationale for County Peace and Conflict Profile

The NSC has been instrumental in steering the peace processes in the country, focusing on consolidating and strengthening local level responsiveness and capacity in handling conflict situations. In view of the political and administrative changes in the country, NSC in collaboration with CEWARN, USAID, PACT and Act Change Transform (Act!) and a number of peace stakeholders embarked on developing the peace and conflict profiles to track conflict trends and dynamics as well as their effect on peace and development in all the 47 counties.

This work has been validated, reviewed and finalized and is now brought to the attention of the County Government for implementation of the findings. It is expected that the work will provide a solid platform for the County Government to

respond proactively to the core challenges of sustainable peace, security and development at the sub-national level.

In addition, it is expected that this report will assist the County Government mainstream conflict management in development planning, legislative agenda, and resource allocation creating a sound framework for sustainable development.

“National SteeringCommittee (NSC)provides a holistic

approach toconflict prevention,management, and

resolution”

It is expected that the County Government

will mainstreamfindings of this report in development planning,

legislative agenda, governance framework and resource allocation

for peaceful counties


1.3 Methodology

This report is an outcome of desk review of various sources of data, field research and consultations with peace and security stakeholders in the county undertaken by NSC between November 2012 and June 2014.

Field research involved key informant interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs). Participants included youth, women, opinion leaders, members of local peace committees, government officials at all levels and civil society organizations (CSOs). Secondary data was sourced from various key reports including the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) Census Report of 2009; Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) reports on electoral boundaries and registration of voter statistics; County Fact Sheets from the Commission for Revenue Allocation (CRA); UWIANO Platform for Peace reports; various NSC/ CEWARN sources including county briefs and county situational analysis reports, the National Conflict Mapping and Analysis publication (2011); Security Research and Information Center (SRIC) Report on Crime Observatory; Constitution and Reform Education Consortium (CRECO) Report and PACT draft county profiles among others.

After consolidation of the initial findings, a validation forum was conducted in the county involving the Office of the Governor, a cross section of political leaders from the County including members of the County assembly and Members of Parliament in the county, other opinion leaders, Faith based organizations, the county security committee including the County Commissioner, National Police Service commanders in the county, Deputy County Commissioners from all the sub-counties; other government officials in the county drawn from sectors dealing with Land matters, IEBC, environment (NEMA), wildlife conservation, agriculture, livestock and fisheries, the Judiciary (local courts), forestry, representatives from all the sub-county peace committees, the County Peace Forum, women groups, youth representatives, people living with disabilities, and local Civil society organizations working in the peace and security sector. Validation meetings were hosted in all the counties to present the draft profiles in order to check for accuracy as well as update the information compiled. A retreat was held in Nanyuki in June 2014 to finalize the compilation of the reports.

2.0 County Demographics and Socio-Cultural AnalysisThe County of Bomet is located in the former Rift Valley Province. Found in the Kenyan South Rift region, it borders Kericho County to the North, Nakuru County

to the North East, Narok County to the South East, South, and South West, and Nyamira County to the North West. Densely populated and covering a total surface area 1,997.9 square kilometers, Bomet County enjoys an average of 18 degrees Celsius in temperature and experiences two seasons of rain with an average annual rainfall range of 1,100 and 1,500 millimeters.

Land area of 1,997.9 Km2

Total Population of BometCounty is estimated to be

850,920 people

Male – 49.7 %,Female – 50.3%


The main inhabitants of Bomet County are the Kipsigis sub-tribe of the Kalenjin community who dominate the economic and political affairs. Other communities in the County include the Maasai and the Kisii. The inter-ethnic disputes and conflicts involve the Kipsigis and the Kisii in Bomet and Nyamira Counties respectively. Negative ethnicity and political mobilization have strained inter-cultural/communal relations. The Post-Election Violence PEV in 2007-2008 resulted in a number of deaths and even more Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

The county’s road network is mainly earth surface (over 279 of about 522 kilometers), with only approximately 170 kilometers of the road being bitumen surface. The rest (about 73 kilometers) are gravel surfaced roads.

Bomet town is the major town and the headquarters of the county. It is located on a class B road between Nairobi City and Kisii Town via Narok county. It’s situated in the


Below please find selected County Statistics for Bomet

Surface Area:* 1,997.9 Km2

Number of Constituencies (IEBC): 5 (Bomet central, Bomet East, Chepalungu, Sotik and Konoin)

County capital: Bomet Town

Population: 730,129 (Male – 49.7 %, Female – 50.3-%)

Population Density: 319 people per Km2

Population Growth Rate: 2.7 %

Number of Households 111,258

Poverty Rate: 46.5%

Population with Secondary Education: 11.4%

Population with Primary Education: 72.5%

Urban Population: 14.8% (132,255)

Tourist Attractions and Sites: • Kariandusi Prehistoric Site• Langa langa racing circuit• Maasai Mara game reserve• Mariwa Archaeological reserve• Olambwe valley forest• Ombo Archaeological Reserve• Traditional Ornaments

Natural Resources: Forest, Pasture, River, Wildlife, Arable Land, Diatomite, Stone Quarry

FY 2013/14 CRA Allocation: Kshs. 3,442,638,623*changes in every financial year depending on the government budget allocation

Main Economic Activities/Industries: Agriculture (mainly Tea & Coffee farming, Horticulture Cattle rearing)

Social and Cultural activities: Majorly Agriculturists

Agricultural products: • Dairy Products• Maize• Beans• Irish Potatoes• Sweet Potatoes

Potential: • Small scale farming is abundant hence making the county a self- sustaining one

highland area of Kenya and rainfall favors agriculture which is the main economic base for the residents of Bomet County. Other economic activities include livestock farming and small scale trading.


3.0 Priority Conflict DynamicsBomet County has a long history of conflict. It was adversely affected during Kenya’s worst post-independence violence of 2007-2008. The presence of a modest number of other communities especially the Maasai and Kisii residents qualifies Bomet, Litein and Sotik as cosmopolitan towns. However, the Kisii and Kipsigis around the border areas of Borabu and Sotik have tensions that have potential for violence.

During the history of multiparty democracy in Kenya, Bomet County has experienced ethnic tensions specifically during electioneering periods. The county was worst affected in the 2007-2008 Post-Election Violence. This was the peak of all violence ever experienced, with the worst hit parts being the areas around Borabu and Sotik. The county experiences conflicts related to boundaries and innumerable incidences of cattle thefts. The inter-ethnic conflicts involving the Kisii community (in Nyamira County) and the Kipsigis sub tribe of the Kalenjin community (in Bomet County) are long-term and manifest more clearly during elections. Among the various precursors to these conflicts are cattle thefts, increase in criminal activities, administration of oaths and proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs). Most of the livestock related crimes emerge in the last quarter of each year, which coincides with the initiation and marriage period in the resident communities.

3.1 Key Conflict Issues

• Inter-Ethnic Conflicts: There have been intense ethnic animosities between the Kipsigis and other communities residing in the County. The conflict has been one of the most protracted in the region and the county and is usually fuelled by the political dynamics of the area that often lead to manipulation of ethnic identities. The majority sub-tribe, the Kipsigis, has had conflicts with the Gusii, Luo and Kikuyu who reside in the area. The conflicts have been over land ownership, as well as ancestral claims.

• Inter-EthnicConflictsandTensions• CrossBorderConflicts• Politicaltensions• Cattletheft• HumanWildlifeconflicts• Land-relateddisputes• Resource-basedconflicts

• Gender-basedviolence• youthunemployment• IDPs• Inter-ethnicconflicts• Drugandsubstanceabuse• Divisivepolitics• EmergingIssues

Challenges: • Poor drainage systems • Effects of Post-Election Violence is still felt• Poorly equipped health facilities• Weak judicial sytems

Source: Varied – CRA, KNBS, County Profiles

* IEBC/Final constituency and Ward description


• Cross-Border Conflicts: The County experiences cross-border inter-ethnic conflicts. The Sotik-Borabu sub-county border conflict has a web of complex issues ranging from inequalities in development between communities, to deep rooted mistrusts and conflicting beliefs and values between the communities. There has been election-related violence in 1992, 1997, 2002 and 2007. The 2007/8 violence triggered revenge attacks, leading to deaths, destruction of property and social infrastructure. Tribal conflict in Sotik goes back a long time in history, and cattle theft and land occupancy is usually the key focal issues of conflict within the communities in Sotik-Borabu. During the 2007-8 Post-Election Violence, Sotik and its bordering neighbours were largely affected. Three months before the 2013 general elections, in Nyamarembe area within Kisii Sub-county three prominent ODM politicians were attacked physically by youths attending a political rally.

• Political tensions: The communities in Bomet County have been strong supporters of specific political personalities and parties. During the Moi era, the Kipsigis and Maasai supported KANU. However, the politics of the County are characterized by a high turnover of Members of Parliament. Other communities other than the Kipsigis are constantly threatened with political isolation in the County due to the prevalent homogenous political mobilization by the area’s politicians and electorate. During KANU party era, county residents always voted in favour of the incumbent head of State but in 2007 general elections, majority of the Kipsigis community members were affiliated to Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). Use of hate speech is prevalent during political campaigns arousing tensions between the Kipsigis and other communities in the county.

• Cattle theft: Cattle theft is a historical feature of the communities living along the Sotik-Borabu border. SALWs have exacerbated the magnitude, frequency, and scale of the conflict associated with cattle theft. The vice has become a serious threat to peace particularly in Sotik-Borabu border. This has prompted members of the Kipsigis and Gusii communities, through the guidance of the border peace committee, to search for a solution so as to forge peaceful coexistence.

• Human Wildlife conflicts: The areas bordering the Mau Forest Complex and Masaai Mara game reserve have had increased cases of human-wildlife conflicts. Stray elephants find their way into some of the villages and destroy farm products and houses. There are also cases where the people are injured or even killed in the process of trying to chase away these animals. Also in the borders of Narok, wild animals have strayed in search of food and have ended up attacking livestock and humans in the region. The residents of Bomet have sought the help of Government through the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). However, the help usually comes late. Whenever the community gets a chance, they kill these animals for their horns and skins or meat.

• Land-related disputes: Revolve around historical land injustices, Mau evictions and domestic dispute over family land.


• Resource-based conflicts: The communities compete over resources such as water with commercial entities, hence creating friction and tensions. Konoin is one of the areas affected by this.

• Gender-based violence: Cases of GBV are prevalent in Bomet with many incidences of defilement, rape, female genital mutilation and child marriages being reported.

• Youth unemployment: Perceived skewed employment in the tea estates and County government causes regular tensions between communities. The matter is aggravated by the high rate of unemployment of the youth.

• Drug and substance abuse: There is widespread alcohol and substance abuse which contributes to the affinity of the youth to criminal activities and sexual offences.

• IDP Resettlement: Individuals displaced from the Borabu schemes and also during the post election violence (PEV) are yet to be resettled causing tensions and mistrust among different communities

4.0 Security AnalysisThe security situation in Bomet is generally stable. However, there are security threats in the conflict prone areas along the border between Sotik and Borabu. This is an area that has always been the center of violence in the two bordering counties of Bomet and Nyamira, involving conflicts between the Gusii and Kipsigis communities.

The violence along the border has subsided and the tribes interact socially and economically. However, underlying mistrust and hostility still lie unchecked. The Kipsigis, who still regard themselves as Kalenjin warriors, are accused by Kisii of stealing their cattle1.

4.1 Epicenters of conflict and insecurity

5.0 Economic and Environmental Assessment Agriculture is the main economic activity practiced in Bomet County with tea farming and dairy production being at the top of this sector. Food crops are grown in the area with maize being the area’s staple food. Tea earns the residents of the county most of their revenue.

1 Anne Chebet, UNDP Peace Monitor, Sotik District

• Borabu-Sotikborder• Teafarmsthathavemanyemployeesfromothercommunities• BorderpointswithNarokCounty• BorderlineswithNyamiraCounty


Dairy industry is also a major player in contributing to household incomes. The high altitude at which the county is located has predisposed it to favorable climatic conditions that have allowed the area to remain green for

most parts of the year. The area also receives rainfall for a good part of the year which allows agriculture to flourish. Trade is conducted in the major town centres of the County such as Bomet and Sotik with a number of financial institutions offering banking and credit services to the people of the county.

Micro-financing initiatives and government grants empower the youth and women giving impetus to trade in the county. The county is among the most densely populated counties in the region with a large labor force concentrated around the main agricultural centers. The potential for this labor force is quite high since any efforts to direct its energy towards increased agricultural production would translate to a substantial contribution towards the country’s food requirements and consequently provide incomes for its people. Despite the favourable climatic conditions however, the county still experiences vulnerability due to climatic shocks especially periodic droughts which tend to wipe off large numbers of livestock in the area. The periodic droughts make access to clean water a challenge. Pasture for the livestock also becomes not only a challenge, but also a source of conflict between the communities.

6.0 Political Risk Assessment of the CountyIn various parts of Kenya, political processes have at times fuelled conflicts and insecurity. The negative impacts of such conflicts are significant and undermine sustainable development and investment in the country. With the formation of County Governments it is important that the County Government of Bomet addresses the impact of past conflicts and works to prevent future conflicts. In light of this, a brief summary of political trends in county is presented below.

Generally, Bomet County has mainly been pro-government, with KANU benefitting with the lion’s share of the elective posts and dominance even up to 75% of votes cast especially before 2007. Politics in the County have however been shifting to focus more on investments with investors from other areas coming in to tap into many resources available In the County. The non indigenous working in tea factories or farms are threatened with political marginalization in the county due to the prevalent homogenous political mobilization by the area’s politicians and electorate.

The Voting History:1992: KANU (Kenya African National Union)

1997: KANU (Kenya African National Union)

2002: KANU (Kenya African National Union)

2007: ODM (Orange Democratic Movement)

2013: URP (United Republican Party)/KANU

“The main economicactivity is agriculture”


Voter Turnout:

The County of Bomet has always experienced average voter turnout during elections with the highest turnout having been recorded in the 1992 elections and the lowest in the 2002 elections:

Highest: 91% (1992 Elections)

Lowest: 64% (2002 Elections)

Modest: 90% (2013 Elections)

7.0 Access to Justice and Dispute Resolution MechanismsThe county is served by Magistrate Courts based in Bomet and Sotik Towns. The county experiences persistent cross border conflicts with the neighbouring Nyamira County which are mostly resolved through dialogue involving local peace committees, elders and local administration. In January 2013, the two counties signed the Chebilat Declaration to facilitate peaceful co-existence between the Kipsigis and Gusii communities along the common border.

8.0 Role of the National Government in Peacebuilding and Conflict Management

The Government of Kenya is committed to the peace processes at the county, regional, national and international levels. This commitment is demonstrated through the ratification of international and regional treaties and protocols on matters of peace and security. The national Government is charged with the responsibility of coordinating peacebuilding and conflict management programmes and processes - it does this in collaboration with county governments and other stakeholders. The government also engages in addressing cross border issues with other regional actors. The National Government continues to promote peaceful coexistence in the country through various structures and initiatives. These include establishment of peace committees, relevant independent commissions and tribunals, border committees, facilitation of dialogue, capacity building, training and security deployment among others.

Specifically, the National Government has also mainstreamed peace education in the school curriculum, capacity enhancement, establishment of conflict early warning system, monitoring of hate speech, conflict sensitive media education, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms, resettlement programs, disarmament and control of illicit arms. The national government does this through coordination, consultation, collaboration information-sharing and synergy-building among concerned stakeholders. The peace and conflict profiles provide an opportunity for greater collaboration between the national government and county governments in addressing conflicts and realizing sustainable peace and development across the country.


9.0 Role of County Governments in Peacebuilding and Conflict Management

For a long time, the country experienced uneven distribution of power and resources due to centralized system of governance that has also been blamed for conflicts. To address this challenge, Kenya promulgated a new constitution in 2010 that has devolved decision making and resources to the Counties. Devolution of power and resources is therefore viewed as the most appropriate approach for promoting participation, representation, inclusion and accountability in the country. Due to their close proximity to communities, county governments can now effectively respond to the needs of the people and consequently enhance peaceful coexistence in the country.

Therefore, the onset of peacebuilding process begins with ensuring representation and inclusion of all stakeholders in decision making and responding to their socio- economic needs. This will help alleviate tensions based on social exclusion, polarization and regional disparities that are often the root causes of conflicts.

While the national government continues to provide policy, technical and financial support to the peace agenda in the country, the county government has a major role to play in supporting peace processes. This will be achieved through integrating peace in the County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs). The CIDPs should be designed and implemented in a conflict sensitive manner in order to promote inclusiveness, integration and cohesion. The county government should also support the establishment and or strengthening local peace structures including provision of resources to the peace structures. The county should also expedite the establishment of County Policing Authorities (CPA) so as to provide an accountability forum for peace and security in the devolved units. It is increasingly becoming clear that peace is a shared responsibility between the National and County Governments. It should be noted that, promoting a culture of peace is a prerequisite for sustainable development.

9.1 Opportunities for Sustainable Peace and Security Processes

NSC has led national level processes for strengthening peace and security in the country, which are being formalized by the National Peace Policy. It would be important for the County Governments to build on these existing initiatives as outlined below:

• Institutionalization of local peace structures such as Sub-county Peace Committee (SCPC), County Peace Forum and County-based Early Warning and Early Response Systems.

“County Governments are now increasingly

considered to have a key role in responding to social

economic needsof her population as part of consolidation of peace

and state building and thus alleviate tensions

based on social exclusion, polarization and regional

disparities”


• Support of small arms control processes through the formation of County Task Forces (CTFs) on small arms control and management.

• International Day of Peace (IDoP): Participate in commemorating the IDoP

• Peace Awards: participate in identifying nominees for the awards.

• Organized Criminal Groups: Development of approaches for addressing the challenge of organized criminal groups.

• Conflict Sensitive Planning and Development: Integrating conflict sensitivity in County Strategies and Plans.

• Healing and Reconciliation: Support healing and reconciliation processes and also initiate, document and implement community based peace agreements.

9.2 Recommendations from County Stakeholders

• Address Negative Ethnicity in the County and along Sotik-Borabu border: The issue of ethnic difference in the area needs to be monitored closely as it has hindered development in the county. The community needs to be made aware on importance of cultural and ethnic diversity for sustainable peace. They also need to be made to realize the freedom of all Kenyans to reside and own land in any part of the country.

• Balanced Opportunities in Multi-National Tea Farms: The multinational tea farms in the area including James Finlay, Sotik Tea, and Unilever hosts many migrant communities in their factories to such an extent that the locals feel marginalized. It will be important that County Administration works with the companies in enabling equal opportunities for both indigenous and non-indigenous residents. The companies should also undertake social corporate responsibility like provision of social amenities and the maintenance of water systems feeding the adjacent communities.

• Work with National Land Commission to address Land issues: The County Government should work closely with the National Government and the National Land Commission to put in place collaborative mechanisms that address existing land disputes in the county particularly at the border points. This institutional framework should help in finding sustainable solution to the disputes. This will also help in addressing the resettlement of IDPs in the county.

• Collaborate with the Counties of Kericho, Narok and Nyamira in resolving cross-border conflicts: It will be important that the political leadership of Bomet County works closely with the Counties of Kericho, Narok and Nyamira to address cross-border crimes, land disputes and cattle rustling menace. This will have to be done with the help of Sub-County peace committees and County Peace Forums.

• Support County Peace Forum and Sub-County peace forum: The County Government should support the critical role the sub-county peace committees


play in conflict early warning coordination and early response mechanisms. These committees can help in conflict mediation, local security, property adjudication and to negotiate return of stolen animals. It will be important that the County Government recognize this role and help in building it for peace building purposes.

• Promote sustainable natural resource use system: The County Government should enhance sustainable use natural resources in the county by promoting smart agriculture, environmental conservation, catchment areas protection among other initiatives to protect river Nyangores and Amalo and the expansive Mau Forest Complex. Effective resource grievance management system should be streamlined to tame resource-based conflicts, including human- wildlife conflicts.

• Access to Justice: The county has a modest court system that facilitates access to justice. This needs to be strengthened through working with Judiciary to enhance appreciation of courts as a means of dispute resolution. The county should work with the Judiciary to put in place infrastructure that enables and expands access and delivery of justice that support sustainable and equitable development processes through managing grievance and conflict stresses.

• Strengthening Partnership with Peace and Security Stakeholders. Some of the CSOs working on peace and security identified during the field consultation include: Sub-County peace committees in the county; NCCK; Mercy Corps; One Africa (and affiliates); Peace and Development Forum (PDF); Progressive Youth CBO; ARD Tetra-Tech (through USAID-funded ProMara Program); ESEDO; Provincial Peace Forum (PPF); Smart Citizens; Smart Vote Initiatives (SVI); The Protection Working Group; and The Youth Congress.

• Curb Cattle theft: efforts towards this must be enhanced, and could include branding of animals, effective documentation of slaughtered animals,introduce and implement cattle movement permits, legislation on abattoirs, and stock trading that entail heavy penalties on those involved in cattle theft, enhance information sharing, initiate alternative income generating activities and intensify police patrols and beats.

• Enhance political accountability and responsibility: There is need to establish elaborate mechanisms of controlling hate speech across the county.

• Strengthen campaign against alcohol, drug and substance abuse: The county administration shouldfind effective means of positively and productively involving the youth to reduce their unemployment rate and involvement in drug and substance abuse through rolling out civic education programmes especially on dangers of drug and substance abuse.

• Nyumba-Kumi Initiative: Efforts should be made by all stakeholders to enhance the adoption and implementation of the Nyumba-Kumi Initiative in the county.


10.0 Quick-Win Propositionsi. Construct peace dividend market at Sotik - Borabu border

ii. Construct Peace dividend water project at Sotik - Borabu border

iii. Organize more cross-cultural events involving Gusii and Kipsigis communities

iv. Organize cross-border sporting events

v. Improve Security Response by logistically supporting the police

vi. Undertake an audit of county employment and procurement opportunities

vii. Work with Youth & Elders to reduce crime in the county through Early Warning system

viii. Rehabilitate Community Petty Offenders

ix. Undertake Consultative meeting to develop action points to address Human- Wildlife conflict

The Conflict Analysis Group


Documents

Bomet county peace and conflict profile