Resource-Sharing Initiatives and Conflict Resolution in Baringo County, Kenya

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to establish the influence of resource-sharing initiatives on conflict resolution in Baringo County, Kenya. The study was anchored on Resource-Based View Theory. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. The target population of the study comprised all 419 individuals comprising County Government Executive officers, Sub-County Administrators, County Security Committee member, County Peace Forum members, County Interfaith Forum members, Assistant County Commissioners, Chiefs and Chairpersons of Nyumba Kumi Elders. Using statistical formula, a sample of 136 elements was obtained and which was allocated proportionately. Thereafter, simple random sampling technique was used. This study used questionnaires in collecting data from the respondents. The researcher undertook a pilot test on 14 respondents in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya. The collected data was analyzed descriptively and inferentially with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The study established that resource-sharing initiatives had a weak and positive correlation with conflict resolution and that resource-sharing initiatives had no statistically significant influence on conflict resolution. The study recommended the need for relevant agencies to establish and sustain targeted programs aimed at addressing resource marginalization. We also recommend the need for both the national and county government to develop joint community empowerment programs and activities implemented with direct community participation. Further, we recommend the need for both national and county governments to have deliberate and targeted plans for developing physical infrastructure and other support infrastructure in a manner that opens up these regions to development activities. We also recommend the need for increased government presence, increased number of police stations and other supporting amenities. Finally, we recommend the need for government agencies to allocate targeted funding, planned and developed by the communities so as to align community aspirations and needs.