Road Communication Network as a Factor in Resolving Recurrent Conflict Amongst Pastrolists in Mandera and Garissa Districts of Northern Kenya

ABSTRACT The study was set out to establish the efficiency and effectiveness of improved road communication network in affecting the trends, intensity and impact of recurrent ethnic conflict among pastoralist communities of Garissa and Mandera. Over the years conflict has remained the major cause of under-development in the area. The conventional cause i.e scarcity of pasture, water, small arms proliferation e.t.c appears not to have eminent solution due to the deteriorating climatic change and global warming coupled with anarchy setting in the neighboring countries like Somalia and Ethiopia. The research was conducted comparatively through a survey of Bulla Nasib in Garissa and Bulla Handadu in Mandera. A sample size of 350 respondents was drawn from the two villages. Primary data was collected using questionnaires, observation, and from existing secondary data.. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. The samples had equal chance amongst each selected cluster. Using PRA tools like pair-wise ranking, Venn diagram and conflict response index the information gathered was analyzed and computed using proportions, frequencies and inferences. The results of this study found that improved road network will reduce conflict incidence by 64%, reduce conflict intensity by 46%, increase response time by 74% and minimize future conflict occurrence by 54%. The study recommends that the government allocate 10% of its annual revenue over the next 1 5 years to be used to construct effective road communication network and improve quality of life in Northern Kenya to prevent the cyclic occurrence of pastoralist conflict.