Pastoralism and colonial legacy of resource conflict in Laikipia West Constituency, Kenya, 1895–2019

Abstract

This study examines inter-ethnic conflict in Laikipia West Constituency, Laikipia County. Inter- ethnic conflict in Laikipia West Constituency can be traced back to the period before 1895 when the white settlers began establishing their homes in Laikipia County. Prior to the British colonization, this area was largely dominated by the Maasai and Samburu who were pastoralists. With the coming of white settlers most of the lands, however, were seized and the pastoralists’ communities displaced from their areas. Many white settlers opted to ranching since most of the lands were semi-arid. Later immigrants resulted to irrigation systems leading to the horticultural boom in Laikipia in the 1980s. With the coming of the whites and the existence of inadequate pastures for the pastoral communities, the area has continued to witness unceasing conflicts. The study aims at identifying the causes of conflict among the pastoral communities, the historical trends of the conflict and the legacies of white settlement in Laikipia West Constituency from 1895 to 2019. This study will employ the conflict theory by Karl Marx. The theory asserts that, inter-ethnic conflicts are necessitated by the exclusive allegiance to the interest by one’s ethnic nationality and cannot be eradicated. In respect to this, data was obtained from primary and secondary sources. Primary data will be obtained from the Kenya National Archives in Nairobi and from oral interviews with relevant informants. Secondary data was obtained from relevant books, journal articles, the articles, internet, theses and conference papers. Data obtained was then evaluated and analysed. Data was analysed in three analytical frames namely: theoretical framework, documentary review and content analysis. The study of pastoralism and colonial legacy of resource conflict in Laikipia West Constituency was necessary as it helped in identifying causes of resource conflict. The study also adds to the historiography of resource conflict in Kenya while assisting policy makers involved in conflict resolution