Challenges and Opportunities in Gender-Based Activities toward Cross-Border Conflict Management in Kisumu and Nandi Counties, Kenya

Abstract

Both men and women are significantly affected during conflicts. It is however important to note that the impacts differ from none gender to the next. In the same breath, conflict management efforts made by both men and women do not get the same recognition, with women facing a myriad of challenges in their attempt to be active participants in the process of conflict management. Therefore, gender parity in conflict management activities, just like in other activities within the society is a major concern. In this regard, the study sought to analyse the challenges that emanate from gender-based activities in the process of conflict management in Nandi and along the Nandi and Kisumu counties border. The target population of this study included Household heads, Deputy County Commissioners, senior police officers, the In-charge Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU), Chiefs, National Intelligence Officers, Local CBOs in-charges, Male and Female Members of Local Peace committees, Leaders of Sugarcane Out growers; Leaders of Market Traders, Local Micro-finance Institutions and religious leaders in the along the border of the two counties. The study employed a descriptive research design. The total sample size was 456. Both probability and non-probability sampling techniques were used. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 23 and presented as percentages and frequencies in charts, graphs and tables while qualitative data was summarized in themes and presented in form of narrative reports and verbatim quotations. The study found that there were a number of factors that prevented women from being actively involved in conflict management among them lack of trust in women, perception, gender roles and level of education of women. The study also found out that there were a number of actors who worked towards gender-based conflict management in the study area, and they included government agencies and religious leaders; civil society as well as the community members. The study further found that the role of actors provided opportunities for human rights protection, Reconciliation, Gender Mainstreaming, Peace Building Workshops, media peace campaigns and peace caravans. The study concluded that women face a number of challenges that obstruct their involvement in conflict management as compared to their male counterparts. It ’ s however important to note that the involvement of various actors including government agencies, CSOs, religious leaders and community members provides an opportunity for sustainable conflict management through human rights protection and education, gender mainstreaming, reconciliation and peacebuilding activities and forums.