Determinants of Resource Based Conflicts in Kenya: A Case of Turkana and Pokot Conflict 1964-2019

Ethnic conflicts over natural resources have been evident in Africa since time immemorial and this has affected the livelihood of many communities. The North Rift of Kenya is no exception to this, as communities face harsh climatic conditions leading to scarcity of resources that capacitates conflicts. This research looked at the determinants of resource based conflicts between the Pokot and Turkana communities who practice pastoralism as their main livelihood. The determinants were deduced through the study of culture, access to illegal firearms, poverty and food security, and the extent to which they contributed to conflict. The methodology adopted by this study is a collection of secondary data through qualitative method, using the case study approach under the descriptive design. Sources of data were literature published by scholars. The underlying theories used in this research are Resource Scarcity Theory and Horizontal Inequalities. Resource scarcity Theory by Homer-Dixon best explains the underlying cause of conflict being competition for environmentally degraded resources and resource capture. Horizontal Inequalities Theory by Frances Stewart explains that limited access to basic social services, and cultural identity play a role in violent conflict. The findings of the research established that cultural beliefs and practices impacted the intensity of the conflict. Dowry payment and accumulation of wealth were the main motivations. The access to illegal firearms by the two communities attributed to their proximity to neighbouring countries that have experienced unrest determined the intensity of conflicts. Poverty indicators and food insecurity were found to be indirect determinants to the conflict. Illiteracy and unemployment levels, limited access to water and health facilities are a result of the conflict. Insecurity and drought in the two counties have impacted food security as conflict worsened during drought. Insecurity affected access to markets and food supplies. Peace between the Pokot and Turkana can be achieved through inclusion of traditional resolution mechanisms, and government intervention in encouraging elders to reduce bridal caps. Government should work with neighbour countries to curb the flow of arms along the borders. Enhanced security by the government will enable access to basic social services and access to markets thus ensuring low levels of poverty and food security.