Assessment of Reparation Methods Employed to Promote Peacebuilding in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Abstract

The study investigated reparations' methods adopted by the Kenyan government as a restorative transitional justice measure in promoting peacebuilding in Uasin Gishu County following serious human rights violations resulting from perennial clashes that culminated in the 2007 post election violence in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The study assumed the Social Justice Theory as the underpinning theory. Descriptive correlational research design was employed; a sample size of 590 respondents was drawn from the 6 sub-counties. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview guides and focus group discussion guides. Quantitative data was analysed using the descriptive and inferential statistical tools while content and interpretive techniques were used to analyse qualitative data. The study findings revealed that victims of the violations were compensated in material and non- material methods. Cash, land and housing were the main forms of material compensation while non-material compensation comprised of apologies, commemorations and renaming of public places.

 It also emerged that compensation played a significant role in promoting forgiveness and reconciliation and there was a significant relationship between compensation and peacebuilding among communities of the study.  The study recommended that the government should establish clear and participatory restitution policies for existing historical human rights violations. The research findings are useful to stakeholders and as policy formulators on restorative transitional justice as a peacebuilding mechanism in post conflict environments.