Historical and Socio-Cultural Factors Contributing to Land Conflict: A Case of Laikipia County

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to establish the underlying issues leading to land conflict in Laikipia County. It sought to establish the historic and socio-cultural factors that led to the conflict in Laikipia County by adopting a cross-sectional survey design. The study objectives were to establish the role of land redistribution in land conflict in Laikipia County, assess the effect of breakdown of traditional governance systems on land conflict in Laikipia Couty and to assess the effect of subdivision and sale of communal land on land conflict in Laikipia County. The target population for the study was 300, wherefrom a sample size of 90 was selected randomly.  Data was collected using interview schedules, focus group discussion guides and observation checklists, and subsequently analysed by Coding to establish recurring themes. Ethical considerations were taken into account and applied. The findings of the study were that injustices emanating from how land was re-distributed after independence led to the conflict, breakdown of the traditional governance systems led to conflict, the conflict had been triggered by the subdivision and sale of communal land. The most cited socio-cultural factor that led to conflict in Laikipia County was cattle rustling. Other factors cited by the informants were communal ownership of land and attachment to cattle. The study recommends that the Government of Kenya and Laikipia County address the historical land grievances. Tried and tested traditional approaches should be effectively integrated by both state and non-state actors in peace building and conflict resolution initiatives