Abstract:
The various violent ethnic conflicts experienced in post-independence Kenya have resulted in social, economic and psychological effects on individuals and the society. However, the most affected persons are the vulnerable groups including women and children. During times of conflict, psycho-social consequences are the most severe with long term effects. This study sought to assess the psycho-social effects of violent ethnic conflicts on vulnerable groups and adopted coping mechanisms in Njoro District. The study adopted a survey research design. The study was informed by the conflict resolution theory. The study population included women and children in the District who were affected by the conflict. A random sample of 102 women and 120 children was selected in four of the most volatile areas of the District. Data was collected through semi-structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews targeting women and children. The collected data were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Quantitative data analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 for Windows. The findings indicate that majority of women and children reported suffering various direct and indirect psycho-social effects resulting from the numerous violent ethnic conflicts in the area. However, women and children experienced slightly different forms of psycho-social effects due to their differences in terms of vulnerability. Majority of the children and women reported receiving assistance to address the psycho-social effects. The study concludes that women and children endured enormous psycho-social effects resulting from the violent ethnic conflict. Psycho-social effects have long-term effects which need to be addressed and prioritized for a true and sustained peace to be realized. The study recommended that in order to achieve a comprehensive and long-lasting peace and resolution of violent ethnic conflict, those concerned with the plight of the victims must address the psycho-social effects to complement the usual political and economic analyses. There was need for integration of psycho-social analyses in conflict resolution mechanism, and paying special care to the vulnerable members of the society.
