The Effectiveness of Traditional Conflict Resolution Mechanisms on Peacekeeping and Security in Garissa County, Kenya.

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The long-standing tensions among the Kenyan government and Somalis on a state-society level have led to the current risks to peace and security in Garissa County. Therefore, Garissa County must develop and deploy viable traditional conflict resolution mechanisms to assist in managing and maintaining peace and security. Conflict Resolution Theory and Conflict Triangle Theory formed the basis for this research. For this study, a target population of 956 citizens from various management levels were selected, and a sample size of 282 citizens was selected using non-probabilistic method.  Data from the respondents was gathered via semi-structured questionnaires and then analyzed using descriptive statistics as well as inferential statistics. The study findings established that traditional conflict resolution mechanisms; negotiation and arbitration have a significant effect on peacekeeping and security in Garissa County, Kenya. Specifically, it was established that both negotiation and arbitration have a positive and significant effect on peacekeeping and security (? = 0.211; 0.755; P-Value < 0.05) respectively. Based on the findings, it was recommended that both the county and national governments should extend the legal institutions and development initiatives to Garissa County, encouraging the adoption of both negotiation and arbitration in resource conflict resolution.