Despite the apparent return to peace after the terrible events of the 2007/2008 post-election violence, complex pockets of conflicts – which are formed along ethnic lines - are now more than ever embedded in Kenya’s territory and history. One such conflict occurs in a rural area of the Kenyan Rift Valley [...]

Pastoralist violence in northwestern Kenya can be divided into three contexts – the traditional, the political and the business – each of which must be taken into account when prescribing a viable long-term peacebuilding strategy.

On March 4th, Kenyans will vote in the country’s most complex and momentous elections to date. The build-up to the polls has been eagerly watched and debated – both in Kenya and abroad. Whilst there there are many reasons to believe that the elections may proceed peacefully, there are also reasons [...]

One clear element is that violence in Kenya has to do with community identities, particularly where the young males of society are concerned.

TransConflict is pleased to present a two-part analysis of the drivers of conflict in Kenya, focusing initially on the need for restorative justice – particularly where land matters are concerned – in order to address the emerging culture of violence.

The emergence of locally-initiated and supported peacebuilding initiatives by young people – acting as change agents, mentors and leaders – is fostering a new paradigm in governance, development and peacebuilding amongst pastoralist communities in north-western Kenya.

Conflict transformation in Kenya is confronted by a number of challenges – including limited dialogue and communication within and between communities, plus a lack of effective models addressing the underlying drivers of conflict.

One of the key drivers of conflict in Kenya is the dimension of community identities – which is itself closely reacted to the issue of land, borders and associated historical grievances – plus a challenging regional environment and political transition.

The challenge facing peacebuilders is not how to eradicate conflict, but how to mitigate, manage and transform it so as to reduce its negative effects on people’s relationships and prospects for development.