Conflict and Conflict Management A Case Study of Tharaka and Tigania Clans of Meru Community in Kenya

ABSTRACT 

The purpose of this study is to establish the causes of conflicts between the Tharaka and Tigania clans and how that conflict is managed by various stakeholders. The study has analyzed the following objectives: causes of conflicts between Tharaka and Tigania clans of the Men community. the socio economic political and cultural impacts of the conflicts, the role of the government and other non state actors in resolving the conflict and the way forward. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches of data collections of were applied to conduct the research study. The researcher used both cross sectional and co relational designs to access the data Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The outcome of the study point to the conflict between the clans as intractable (53%). These are the very core. deeply rooted conflicts which affect the clans’ fundamental interests, needs. ~alues and culture. The Inadequac> of governance structures and those that tend to be partisan also was identified as a cause of conflict Respondents suggested that conflict is a central phenomenon in mankind and there seem to exist a mutual understanding that any attempt to resolve a conflict must be resisted. They. however. identify some generic methods of conflict resolution which includes negotiations. mediation. arbitration, use of foree and the use ofthe criminal justice system. The researcher concludes that practical and theoretical work linking conflict transformation and development is still insufficient The emerging centrality of the government’s capacity building approaches to conflict prevention need not be over- emphasized. However there exist serious gaps since, in general, conflict resolution is an end as opposed to a systematic continuous process in any civil society. Conflict transformation initiatives need a broad and diverse range of competencies. that should include negotiation skills development among individuals in the community, mediation skills. arbitration a trustworthy judicial system. existing institutional strengthening and awareness raising and enhancing of existing traditional resolution mechanisms.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER

ONE INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Statement of the Problem 4

Purpose of the Study 4

Objectives of the Study 4

ResearchQuestions 5

Scopeofthe Study 5

Significance of the Study 5

TWO LITERATURE REVIEW

Theory of the Study 7

Causes of Ethnic Conflict 8

The Impact of Conflicts among Communities 11

The Role of the Government and Other Stake Holders in Resolving Conflicts 5

THREE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

ResearchDesign 23

Area of the Study 23

Sample and Sampling Procedures 23

Research Instruments 24

Research Procedure 25

Data Anah sis 25

Limitations of the Study 25

Ethical considerations 26

FOUR DATA PRESENTATION ANALYSES ANI) INTERPRETATION

Chapter Overview 27

Demographic Characteristics of the Respondents 27

Causes of Conflicts 33

The Impacts of conflicts among the Tharaka and the Tigania Communities 36

Land wrangles

Cattle wrestling as a cause conflict between the communities 40

The Role of the government and other stake holders in resolving the conflict 41

Political divisions. Culture, Absence of effective government structures 41

Analysis of the Social impact in both Tharaka and the Tigania Communities 44

Development of Tharaka and Tigania communities 47

The Possible Measures can be under taken 48

A Capacity Building Approach to Conflict Prevention and Transformation 48

Interventions

FIVE FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Summary 50

Conclusion 51

Recommendations

Suggestions for Further Research 52

References

APPENDICES

Research Questionnaire 56

Sample Sizes(S) Required For the Given Population (N) 61