Trends Of Internal Displacement In Kenya: The Case Of Kuresoi, Nakuru County, 1992 - 2008

Abstract

This study investigated trends of internal displacement in Kenya; the case of Kuresoi North Sub-county in the period 1992 - 2008. The sub-county is inhabited by several ethnic groups although the Kipsigis, the Kikuyu and the Kisii are the most populous. Since the introduction of multi-party politics in 1991, the sub-county has been experiencing political violence resulting into internal displacements during 1992, 1997 and 2007 General Elections. The study was guided by three objectives; to investigate the motives for internal displacement, to examine patterns of internal displacement and to analyze the consequences of internal displacement in Kuresoi North Sub-county in the period 1992 - 2008. The study was predicated on three fundamental premises. First, internal displacement in the area of study was motivated by political competition. Second, patterns of internal displacement occurred during General Elections‟ time. And finally, the internal displacement led to loss of livelihoods of the residents. The reviewed literature showed that although there is much literature on ethnic violence at international, regional and national levels, little effort has been made to interrogate the motives, patterns and consequences of internal displacement in Kuresoi North Subcounty. This gap justified the need for this research. The research employed Protracted Social Conflict theory because of its strengths in addressing social, political and economic aspects of a conflict. The study targeted the entire adult population in Kuresoi North Sub-county. The research used purposive sampling technique and a sample of a hundred respondents comprising fifty six IDPs, twenty elders, seven chiefs, five police officers, two teachers, one medical officer, four councilors, two representatives from religious organizations and three representatives from NGOs. Interview guides were used to get information from the respondents. The data collected was analyzed inductively; entailing organizing, transcribing, coding, categorizing, and developing concepts and themes which resulted to narrative structures relating to motives, patterns and consequences aspect of the study. The study has argued that the motives for internal displacement were competition for political power, perceived arrogance of migrant communities, injustices over land, competition for economic opportunities, conduct of ECK, and the culture of impunity. Patterns of internal displacements in the period between 1992 and 2008 started with heightened political activities, planning of attacks and actual attacks. The study argues that the ethnic violence led to deaths, financial burdens of treating the victims, destruction of properties, and deterioration of inter-ethnic relations. It also led to termination of joint initiation ceremonies, rise of Mungiki, disruption of education, family values and agricultural activities. The study recommends stern action against politicians for hate speech and ethnic incitements. On historical grievances over land rights in the study area, the National Land Commission needs to move with speed and address the problem. Other recommendations are; creation of job opportunities, adoption of reconciliation and memorialization approaches in dealing with poor ethnic relations, as well as faithful implementation of IDP Act, 2013 which offers durable solution to internal displacement in Kenya.