Busia County Peace and Conflict Profile

1Peace and conflict profile

BUSIA 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 114.1 Epicenters of conflict and insecurity 13

5.0 Economic and Environmental Analysis 13

6.0 Political Trends 14

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 169.2 Recommendation from County Stakeholders 16

10.0 Quick-Win Propositions 17

4 Peace and conflict profile

Abbreviations

ADR Alternative Dispute Resolution

BMU Beach Management Unit

CEC County Executive Committee

CEWARN Conflict Early Warning

CEWER Conflict Early Warning and Early Response

CEWERU Conflict Early Warning and Response Unit

CIDP County Integrated Development Plan

CLB County Land Board

CPA County Policing Authority

CPMR Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution

CPSB County Public Service Board

CRA Commission on Revenue Allocation

CRECO Constitution and Reform Education Consortium

CSC County Security Committee

CSOs Civil Society Organizations

EBS Elder of the Burning Spear

FGDs Focus Group Discussions

GOK Government of Kenya

IEBC Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission

IGAD Inter-Government Authority on Development

KEPSA Kenya Private Sector Alliance


KNBS Kenya National Bureau of Statistics

KNFP Kenya National Focal Point

MCA Member of the County Assembly

MOICNG Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government

MOSPAIS Ministry of State for Provincial Administration and Internal Security

NCEWERS National Conflict Early Warning and Response System

NEMA National Environmental Management Authority

NCIC National Cohesion and Integration Commission

NGAO National Government Administration Officers

NPS National Police Service

NSC-PBCM National Steering Committee on Peacebuilding and Conflict Management

NLC National Land Commission

PALWECO Programme for Agriculture and Livelihood in Western Communities

UN United Nations

SALWs Small Arms and Light Weapons

SCPCs Sub-County Peace Committees

SRIC Security Research and Information Centre

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 mainstream findings 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 AnalysisBusia County is located in Western Kenya. It borders Lake Victoria to the South West, the Republic of Uganda to the West, North and North East, Bungoma and Kakamega to the East, and Siaya to the South East and South. There are two border points to Uganda that are located in the county: Busia and Malaba. The county covers a land area of 1,134 Km2. The population in Busia County is estimated to be 488,075 people with an average of 80,044 people living in the urban areas in the county. The average temperature is 22°C and rainfall ranges between

Land area of 1,134 Km2 Total Population

of Busia County is estimated to be

488,075 people

Male - 48%,

Female – 52%


750mm and 1,800mm per annum. The climate of the county is generally warm with minimal monthly variation in temperatures between 19°C and 25°C throughout the year. Busia Town is the administrative headquarters. Busia County is a cosmopolitan trade centre, juxtaposed between Kenya and Uganda. The county is inhabited by Luhya, Teso, Kamba Kikuyu, Somalis and a few Asians especially in commercial centers like Busia Town and Malaba. Cross-border trade involves different ethnic groups. In North Teso Sub-County, the Teso community constitutes over 70% of the population with the Bukusu community also constituting a significant population especially at the border with Bungoma West at Changara and Lwahaha. Malaba


Town is cosmopolitan with Kikuyus, Kisii, Somalis, Luos, and Sabaot communities found in the area. Traditionally, Teso do not open up to outsiders for consultations. They have a kingdom spreading out to Uganda where the King resides while his deputy is in Kenya. Administratively they would consult with their respective local level administration which also recognizes Teso tradition and culture complete with cultural centers for Teso. South Teso Sub-County is dominated by Teso community with a number of clans contributing to contentious issues. Types of conflicts are mainly cultural and are resolved locally through local/traditional leadership though some complicated cases are brought to the attention of the county administration.

The Samia Sub-County is inhabited by roughly 90% Abasamia, 10% Luos which is composed of other Luo dialects living in harmony. Dispute resolution and consultations are done at sub-location level though no major conflicts have been experienced. Bunyala is inhabited by Abanyala who comprise 90% and the remaining 10% being Luos who have integrated well as evidenced by harmonious intermarriages between the communities. The Abakhayo resides in Busia and Nambale Sub-Counties Busia Sub-County is cosmopolitan town composed of Teso, Luos, Luhya, Somalis, Kisii, Kalenjin, Maasai, Kamba and the Kikuyu. These communities have lived in harmony until the 2007/2008 PEV which saw polarization along political party affiliations of Luo and Luhya communities against people from Kisii, Kikuyu and Kamba communities.

For mitigation of conflict, the Busia SCPC has been very instrumental since it engages communities up to sub-location level. The residents of Busia are law abiding and generally cherish peace; they consult with the administration and other law enforcement bodies to mitigate conflicts. Politics in the area is characterized by euphoria. There have not been political rivalries until when Hon. Musalia Mudavadi and Hon. Raila Odinga parted ways politically. While Teso and Luhya co-exist peacefully politically, Luos are more involved in political conflict in Busia Town and Bumala Town.

Below please find selected County Statistics for Busia:

Surface Area: 1,134 Km2

Number of Constituencies (2010): 5 (Amagoro, Budalangi, Butula, Funyula, Nambale)

County capital: Busia Town

Population: 488,075 (Male - 48%, Female – 52%)

Population Density: 430 people per Km2

Population Growth Rate: 2.9 %

Number of Households 154,225

Poverty Rate: 66%

Tourist Attractions and Sites: • Lake Victoria viewpoint• Kakapel National Monument


• Politicalrivalrybasedonethnicityandsub-tribes• Landandboundarydisputes• Commercialdisputes• Presenceofcriminalgangs• HumantraffickingtoandfromUganda

Natural Resources: Arable Land, Water, Fisheries, Livestock, Pasture,

Forests

FY 2013/2014 CRA Allocation: Kshs. 3,412,404,160

Main Economic Activities/Industries: Trade, Agriculture, Fishing, Tourism, Commercial

Business

Social and Cultural activities: Majorly farmers, fishermen, traders

Agricultural products: • Rice, Maize, Millet, Beans, Cassava, Sweet potatoes, Livestock products,

Potential: • There is potential to invest in increased irrigation to expand rice production as a cash crop in Budalangi Constituency; grow more crops suited to irrigation e.g. onions, tomatoes which can supply the county & beyond, hence food security

• Build fish storage facilities owned and controlled by local fishermen so that they will be guarded from exploitation by middlemen who come with refrigerated trucks

• There is potential for building dams to store excessive water from the perennial flood waters for use in the dry season

• Restore cotton farming during the dry season• Use heat tolerant varieties of maize since rains are

sporadic and only last a short span

Challenges: • Perennial floods in Budalangi• Inadequate rainfall during the long rains• Middlemen taking away most profits in trade out

of the county

Source: Varied – CRA, KNBS, County Profiles

3.0 Priority Conflict DynamicsThe national Conflict Early Warning and Early Response System (NCEWERS) identified several key conflict issues affecting Busia County. These include political rivalry, commercial disputes, sale of land to non-indigenous settlers, and criminal gangs.

3.1 Key Conflict Issues


• Political rivalry based on ethnicity and sub-tribes: This has been brought about by the fact that the county is generally cosmopolitan. Alleged importation of voters from the neighbouring Siaya County to Busia during elections causes a lot of political tensions. Secondly, with tribalism being rife, the perceived economic dominance by perceived ‘foreigners’ usually triggers tensions, uneasiness and negative ethnicity.

• Land boundary disputes: Sale of land to non-locals is breeding discontent particularly among younger generations and politicians who have raised the issue during election campaigns. The land issue is very emotive in the area characterized by multiple sale of the same piece of land to different people triggering hostilities between the locals and non-native buyers. Boundary disputes are also perennial but are usually handled through local chiefs. Illiterate people are not enlightened on land issues making land adjudication in the area an uphill task.

• Commercial disputes: Illegal trade in sugar and maize tends to lower commodity prices making local residents feel exploited. Rampant price hiking of food prices has also created tensions. Alleged sugarcane “poaching” by the two rival sugar companies, i.e. West Kenya Sugar Company and Mumias Sugar Company is also a source of conflict between members of the two companies. The matter is already in court.

• Presence of criminal gangs: Criminal gangs are common at Marachi slums in Busia (Kenya) and Sofia slum across the border in Busia Uganda and in areas where sugarcane farms are located. These gangs are a threat to the peaceful co-existence of the people in Busia County. Extortion by rival criminal gangs during funerals and weddings as well as runaway criminal activities including revenge attacks by hired gangs easily triggers conflict. Drug peddling especially bhang is also a common activity of the criminals. There is proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs) in the region, and which are used in criminal activities.

• Human trafficking to and from Uganda in search of employment and double registration of citizenship some locals in order to participate in the elections across the border is also a source of conflict in the area.

4.0 Security AnalysisMarachi area in Busia Town located along the Kenya-Uganda border was identified as a hotspot. The area is mainly occupied by people from the Luo community. There is rampant drug peddling and abuse, lawlessness and general criminal activities. The youth are also vulnerable for use by rival politicians. There is a criminal gang called “the

jobless boys” who are feared and used by rival politicians and rival traders. The area is prone to proliferation of SALWs given its proximity to the neighboring Uganda. These weapons are used by criminals to commit crimes. The area has homemade guns. During a recent

“The main economic activity is agriculture,

crossborder trade, fishing”


disarmament exercise, an assortment of illicit SALWs were recovered and handed over to the central arms bureau in the area.

Malaba, being an investment centre and cosmopolitan area, was also identified as a security hotspot. Changara, which borders Bungoma West, is also a hotspot characterized by political incitement and contestation over resources. Conflict in Mt. Elgon easily spills into Changara area which is also alleged to be a transit point for illicit SALW. Other areas of concern to security agencies include Moding’, Angurai, Kocholia which are associated with crime. In Malaba, there is an amorphous criminal gang which operates as an extortionist group across the border with Uganda and especially in trading centers. Generally, crime rate in Teso is low. However, the areas that were identified as mild hotspots are characterized by sporadic incidences of crime committed by criminals across the border with Uganda are Amoit, Akoret, Angorong’ and Amongora. There are also incidences of revenge missions targeting businessmen and traders. At family level, incidences of poisoning due to dispute over land and property is rampant. Adungosi is an area known for illegal trade on various commodities including proliferation of illicit SALW and drug peddling. Area youths are likely to be used and hired for hooliganism, perpetration of violence and other related vices. Amurai is still reeling from the effects of PEV of 2007/8 making it an area of concern. Other hotspot areas include Kwangomol which is associated with mob justice to “curb” crime, Alupe, Tanga corner, Asinge and Chakol areas where illicit SALWs are available although intelligence officers on the ground are working hard to deal with this situation.

Human trafficking from Uganda through the porous border at Alupe was rampant in early 2012 with Somali aliens being victims and culprits. Arrests have been made and the issue is under control. Idle youth are used to interrupt political rallies and election campaigns etc. Illegal SALW are believed to be coming in from the Ugandan side of the border though information availability on specific routes is treated with utmost secrecy amongst community members.

The relationship between security agencies and the public is good as they shares intelligence information. The security agencies also maintain personal links with boda-boda operators for sharing intelligence and other suspicious activities. Boda-boda operators are good informers in community policing activities.

In Bunyala, security hotspot areas were identified to be border areas between Siaya and Bunyala Central which have a pending demarcation issue; Migingo in Itajula and Bunyala Central where conflict is over land ownership on communal land. Proliferation of illicit SALW occurs within the lake. The Police marine boat stationed in Port Victoria does not make frequent patrols due to lack of fuel maintenance and sufficient logistical support.

Inter-county/cross border conflict issues

Busia Sub-County is generally calm though general crime affects both Kenya and

‘Security risk in Busia is low’


Uganda sides. The security agencies across the border coordinate to address security issues such as rampant motorcycle theft whose market is thriving across the two borders. Joint cross-border committees meetings are held quarterly while other similar meetings are held on need basis to address emerging issues such as piracy in Lake Victoria which affects fishermen in both countries. Fishing of undersize fish is also an issue that affects the fishermen. There are incidences of human trafficking and sale of accustomed goods which are dealt with by cross border law enforcers.

Bunyala Central and Siaya border is a conflict area: There is also cross-border theft of motor boats which is handled by joint border security committees. Use of inappropriate fishing gear to get fish from the lake causes cross-border conflict. The Beach Management Unit (BMU) Committee is said not to be effective.

Sugarcane poaching affects sugarcane farmers and is escalating conflict between Mumias Sugar Company and West Kenya Sugar Company. Another issue that needs attention is cross-border stock theft.

4.1 Epicenters of conflict and insecurity

5.0 Economic and Environmental Analysis Busia County is inhabited by a somewhat settled population which engage in agriculture, trade, migration, or transport. The town’s location at the conjoining of the two East African Community member-states, as well as along the Northern Corridor road network has increased her economic importance in East Africa region. As a result, state ‘revenue protection units’ of border security officers whose task is to restrict undocumented trade and collect appropriate duties has increased.

Lake Victoria is the natural resource in the area and there are no reported contested issues on access and/or use of the same. River Nzoia is also a natural resource in the county but has not been harnessed optimally to improve livelihoods. Busia produces a variety of food crops as well as a variety of cash crops e.g. cotton, sugarcane, rice and tobacco. Incidences of business rivalry have been reported in the Busia Central Business District (CBD) though the security team has engaged the rival groups in dialogue to scale any violent intentions. Malaba border point is the biggest business hub though the local populace feels disadvantaged and exploited by traders. The population also practices subsistence agriculture. However land is being sold out to other people who are not originally from the county threatening food security. The

Border areas between Siaya and• MarachiInformalsettlement• Malabatown• KapinainNambalesubcounty• ChangarainTesoNorth• BunyalaalongLakeVictoria• BunyalaCentral


high poverty level will also impact on conflict dynamics given the big number of idle/unemployed youth.

The biggest environmental concern is deforestation through charcoal burning because the forests are not protected with exception of the traditional shrine of the Teso community. Indigenous trees have continuously been depleted for charcoal which fetches a lot of money in the towns. In Bukhayo, there are large tracts of land without any particular conflict issues related to accessing it until recently when land was leased for sugarcane farming that disputes began emerging. In Samia, fish farming, fishing, subsistence agriculture for food crops are some of the economic activities practiced. Beach communities are dominated by locals who also control access to fishing in the Port Victoria and Sio Port. Generally, the main economic activity in Busia County is agriculture, crossborder trade and fishing.

6.0 Political TrendsIn 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 County. With the formation of County Governments it is important that the County Government of Busia addresses the impact of past conflicts and work to prevent future conflicts. Political conflict is however predominantly driven by ethnic relations to the political kingpins in the area.

Voting History in Busia:1992: KANU (Kenya African National Union1997: KANU ((Kenya African National Union2002: NARC (National Rainbow Coalition)2007: ODM (Orange Democratic Movement)2013: ODM

7.0 Access to Justice and Dispute Resolution MechanismsBusia County has a high court and magistrate’s courts to address criminal justice issues in the region.

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

“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”


sensitive manner in order to promote inclusiveness, integration and cohesion. The county government should also support the establishment and or strengthening of 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

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 Government of Busia to build on these existing initiatives as outlined below:

• Institutionalization of local peace structures such as Sub-County Peace Committees (SCPCs), County Peace Forum and Early Warning and Early Response Centres.

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

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

• County 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 including documentation of community peace agreements.

• Incorporationoflocalcouncilofeldersinthepeaceandconflictmanagementeffort e.g. Bukhayo Council of elders and the Teso Council of Elders among other.

9.2 Recommendation from County Stakeholders

• Involve youth in Irrigated Agriculture: Bunyala Constituency bears some of the most fertile soil deposits in Busia County and is a potential bread basket. Improvement of dykes over the last few years has shown that flood waters can be controlled and harnessed while the surrounding agricultural land put to production of cash crops such as rice. This is no longer a farfetched idea. Thousands of idle youths are expected to benefit from employment opportunities in the irrigation fields and limit their engagement in criminal activities.

• Build trade system and capacity for entrepreneurial activities: Skills


development for the local people should be a priority for raising living standards. The fishing industry in Busia County is under developed. Fishermen need to be introduced to better methods of fishing while at the same time controlling overexploitation of fish in the lake. Young men and women need to be empowered with skills in managing small scale businesses so as to be able to compete with traders.

• Develop a culture of wide and inclusive consultation: Busia County is composed of a wide range of people with different ethnic backgrounds. It is important that the county management process is conducted in consultation with all stakeholders to avoid exclusion of any group. With robust upward and downward accountability mechanisms, devolution will enable participation of the local citizen in development activities of the counties and limit local tensions and rivalries.

• Support County Peace Forum and Sub-County peace forums: Despite the fact that Busia County is generally peaceful, peace building should not be taken for granted and limited to violence prevention. Activities that promote positive peace must be mainstreamed among the youthful population who are the most susceptible target for politicians. It is important that the County Government supports the critical role the sub-county peace committees play in promoting positive peace in the county.

• Foster market integration and boost the subsistence economy of local people: The County Government should strive to improve access to better markets for the food crops produced in the county to improve level of income among the locals. Sugar companies competing in the market should review their payment mode and consider paying cane farmers on time. Better farming practices and timely payments will somehow alleviate poverty in this county.

• Strengthening Partnership with Peace and Security Stakeholders. Some of the CSOs working on peace and security identified during the field consultation include: Busia Sub-county- Peace Committee (SCPC); The security agencies (the police); Boda-boda operators and owners; Teso South sub county Peace Committee; Samia Sub-County Peace Committee (SCPC); Western Kenya Community Driven Development and Flood Mitigation Project.

10.0 Quick-Win Propositionsi. Implement Nyumba Kumi Community Policing Initiative across the county

ii. Sensitize County Assembly to legislate on measures that enhance security in view of the profile findings

iii. Work with National Police Service in hotspot areas to improve security response (Malaba, Busia Town, Bumala, Bunyala)

iv. Train County Land Board (CLB) on land mediation


v. Train National Administration officers (DCC, SCA) on land mediation

vi. Train peace committees on mediation, negotiations and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

vii. Work closely with Judiciary on piloting ADR in solving family land disputes

viii. Develop Strategy for Youth Enterprises Development and Employment in Busia County

ix. Capacity Build County departments responsible for youth development to upscale youth employment initiatives

x. Undertake Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign across the county

xi. County Assembly legislate on Alcohol sale, use and use of other drugs

The Conflict Analysis Group


Documents

Busia County Peace and Conflict Profile