Efficacy of Integrating Indigenous Knowledge with Modern Conflict Resolution Mechanisms among Agro- Pastoral Communities Living Along Kerio Valley, Kenya
Charles Chelimo Suter, Mark Kiptui & Saina Christopher
School of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management
University of Eldoret, Kenya
Email: chelimosuter@gmail.com
Abstract: Resource-based conflicts among agro-pastoral communities living along Kerio Valley, Kenya, continue to threaten livelihoods, social cohesion and sustainable peace despite the use of indigenous and formal conflict resolution mechanisms. This study assessed the efficacy of integrating indigenous knowledge with modern conflict resolution mechanisms in managing resource-based conflicts and sustaining peaceful coexistence. The study was guided by the hybrid governance theoretical perspective, which emphasizes complementarity between customary and formal institutions. A descriptive survey design using a mixed-methods approach was adopted. The target population comprised approximately 49,650 households across Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo and West Pokot counties. A sample of 382 household heads was determined using Krejcie and Morgan’s (1970) table, alongside 30 purposively selected key informants and four focus group discussions. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, interview guides, focus group discussion guides and observation checklists. Content validity was established through expert review, while reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, with coefficients above 0.70 considered acceptable. Findings revealed that 87.3% of respondents supported integration, 83.5% perceived it as improving conflict resolution effectiveness, and 77.5% considered hybrid systems more effective than single approaches. The study concluded that integrated approaches offered substantial potential for strengthening conflict management and peaceful coexistence. It recommended formal inclusion of elders in peace committees, clear institutional coordination and referral procedures, capacity building and adequate resourcing, alongside improved security interventions and sustainable management of water and pasture resources.
