Mechanisms to Address Land Conflicts for Social Cohesion in Nakuru County, Kenya

Abstract

Land issue in Kenya is complex and emotive and has led to deaths and displacements.  .  Based on where people live and their ancestry, form of land acquisition have often fueled land related conflicts. Nakuru County in Rift Valley region of Kenya, which is the area of study, is one of the areas that has been experiencing land conflicts between indigenous and non-indigenous communities over land ownership and this study sought to assess mechanisms to address land conflicts in order to enhance social cohesion. The objective of the study is to assess the effectiveness of mechanisms to land conflicts, assess actors in land resolution and the role of local community in land resolution for social cohesion.  The study is grounded on the Social Capital Theory. Mixed method research design was used for the study, with a sample size of 500 people. Sampling methods used were: purposive, snowball and clustered simple sampling. Data collection tools were: questionnaires, interview schedule, Focused Group Discussions and observations. The research established the existing land dispute resolution mechanisms and actors were largely ineffective and there was insufficient involvement of local community in addressing land conflicts.  The study recommends for involvement of communities in seeking solution to historical land injustices, sensitizing community members against negative ethnicity towards societal values of trust, respect for diversity and identities, tolerance as well as promoting equality and justice to enhance social cohesion.