Effects of Political Competition on Socio-economic Context during Non-electioneering Period in Nakuru County, Kenya

Abstract

Political competitions within and between political parties in a society and other forms of violence have negatively affected many African societies, Kenya included. This has led to deaths, destruction of property and displacement of citizens. This study is based on the recurrence of ethnic conflict especially during electioneering period unlike other regions in the Country. The specific objective of the study was to examine the socio-economic context during non-electioneering period in Nakuru County, Kenya. The study was guided by the social change theory. The study used descriptive research design. A sample of 384 respondents was selected from Nakuru residents and 33 key informants: 9 Members of County Assembly, 8 Religious Leaders, 8 Civil Society Organisations and 8 Administrators, using probability and non-probability sampling techniques. This gave a sample size of 417 respondents. Both secondary and primary data were collected. Primary data was collected by use of questionnaire, focus group discussion, interview schedules and field observation. Secondary data was obtained through desk research, libraries and journals.  Data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 21 and presented using two measures of distribution; percentages and frequencies. Key findings for the study were that men, women and children experience varied forms of both physical and psychological violence as a result of electioneering conflicts. The only way to tame this violence is for members for the society to purposely choose to coexist. The study findings would contribute to helping policy makers in coming up with new policies or modifying the existing ones to address influence that political competition has on ethnic conflicts and add knowledge in the field of peace and conflict studies. (274 words)