The role of non-governmental organizations in conflict transformation with specific reference to Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Abstract

This research focused on the role of Non-Governmental Organizations in conflict transformation with specific reference to Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. It entails the various attempts informing the direction that conflict management and resolution technocrats and peace builders should focus to restore peace. It was guided by three objectives; to identify and analyse Non-Governmental Organizations in Uasin Gishu County and methods used in conflict transformation; to assess the impact of Non-Governmental Organizations in conflict transformation in Uasin Gishu County; and, to evaluate the challenges experienced by Non-Governmental Organizations in conflict transformation in Uasin Gishu County. Conflicts keep recurring because of the nature of human beings. Conflicts that have been resolved and managed continue to be triggered by other factors. Institutional theory was used to explain the role of Non-Governmental Organizations through championing cooperation and setting norms and possible punishments thus enabling negotiation among conflicting groups. Descriptive research design was used because of its ability to portray accurately the characteristics of the organizations in terms of roles and the general description of the public. The study targeted the staff members of Transparency International, SNV, Catholic Justice and Peace Commission, and Mercy Corps. The Public Administrators and local citizens were included in the study because they are involved in, or benefit from conflict transformation initiatives. Purposive sampling technique was used in the study whereby eighty-seven (87) respondents were administered with questionnaires and six (6) key informants interviewed. Data was analysed qualitatively and quantitatively with the presentations made by use of tables and descriptions. The study found that PeaceNet and Mercy Corps were the most visible peace building organization in Uasin Gishu County engaged in conflict transformation. The challenges faced by Non-Governmental Organizations range from conflict complexity, financial constraints, lack of cooperation from conflicting parties, conflict recurrence and lack of neutrality from external actors. The study noted that addressing root cause of conflict is appropriate to realizing conflict transformation. The study recommends that religious institutions be at the forefront in conflict transformation initiatives and that the locals should be key participants in the process.