Intra-clan conflicts and household livelihoods in Kopsiro division, Bungoma County, Kenya

Abstract

This paper aims to discuss intra-clan conflicts and how they influence livelihood opportunities among the Sabaot people in Mt. Elgon District Kenya. The paper is a summary of a study carried out by the authors in Kopsiro Division of Mt. Elgon District among 351 respondents. The findings indicated that land and land-related issues were the main causes of conflicts. The findings also showed that the effects of intra-clan conflicts have compromised the livelihood opportunities of the people of both Mosop and Soy Clans in Kopsiro Division. Various stakeholders including the government, NGOs, religious groups and elders were found to play vital roles in mitigating the conflicts. In conclusion, the intra-clan conflicts have made live more difficult and left households in more social and economic challenges than before.