Influence of culture in mitigating inter-ethnic conflicts in Mount Elgon sub-county, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study, is to look into the role of cultural practices in mitigating inter-ethnic conflict in Mount Elgon Sub-County, Bungoma County, Kenya. The objective of the study was to assess the influence of culture on mitigating inter-ethnic conflicts in Mount Elgon sub-county, Bungoma. This study adopted a descriptive survey research design to obtain in-depth information on the role of cultural practices in mitigating inter-ethnic conflicts in Mount Elgon Sub-County. It
employed a mixed methods approach with a target population of approximately 34,904 adults above the age of 18 years from Mount Elgon Sub County. The sample size for the study was determined using Krejcie and Morgan sampling tables which gave 379 respondents. Interviews, focused group discussions and questionnaires were used in collecting data which was largely qualitative. The raw data was categorized through tabulation and coding. Descriptive statistics as well as thematic analysis were used in presenting research findings. The study established that cultural aspects such as language, marriage and initiation can have negative influence on conflict mitigation and is a trigger to inter-ethnic conflicts. Residents of Mount Elgon Sub County are willing to support police initiative to mitigate inter-ethnic conflicts, and the adoption of community-oriented policy making can have a positive influence on inter-ethnic conflict mitigation. It is hoped that the study finding will benefit a number of stakeholders including peace promoters, county government of Bungoma planners, peace experts and conflict resolution
professionals in Mount Elgon Sub-County and other areas within Kenya, Africa and the world at large as well as contribute to already existing pull of knowledge in the area of development studies while providing a fertile material for literature review by those who will do similar or related studies.