EFFECT OF RESOURCE COMPETITION ON INSECURITY IN SAMBURU COUNTY, KENYA

JOASH TALAI JAFRED; HEATHER KIPCHUMBA

doi:10.61426/rjssh.v7i1.571

JOASH TALAI JAFRED Department of Public Policy & Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya
HEATHER KIPCHUMBA, PhD Department of Public Policy & Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya

DOI: https://doi.org/10.61426/rjssh.v7i1.571

Keywords: Resource Competition, Insecurity, Pastoral Communities

Abstract

Insecurity remains a major socio-economic challenge affecting pastoral communities in Samburu County, Kenya, characterized by cattle rustling, banditry attacks, inter-community conflicts, displacement of households, destruction of property, loss of lives, and disruption of socio-economic activities. Despite various interventions aimed at addressing insecurity, the problem persists due to interconnected socio-economic factors affecting pastoral communities. While previous studies have examined multiple determinants of insecurity, limited empirical attention has focused specifically on the role of resource competition in shaping insecurity outcomes in Samburu County. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of resource competition on insecurity in Samburu County, Kenya. The study was anchored on Resource Conflict Theory, which explains how competition over scarce resources can generate tensions and conflicts among communities dependent on those resources. The study adopted a descriptive research design and employed a mixed-methods approach involving both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. The study targeted 133 respondents comprising 100 household heads and 33 key informants drawn from relevant administrative, security, community, religious, political, business, and community-based institutions within Samburu West Sub-County. Due to the relatively small target population, a census method was adopted. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed a strong positive and statistically significant relationship between resource competition and insecurity (r = 0.754, p < 0.01), with resource competition emerging as the strongest predictor of insecurity in the multiple regression model (β = 0.487). The findings further established that competition over grazing land, water resources, pasture, and livestock resources significantly contributed to conflicts, livestock raids, and inter-community insecurity in Samburu County. The study concludes that resource competition is a significant determinant of insecurity in Samburu County, particularly among pastoral communities whose livelihoods depend heavily on access to scarce natural resources. The study recommends strengthening community-based resource-sharing mechanisms, promoting negotiated access to grazing land and water resources, strengthening traditional and community-based conflict-resolution mechanisms, and enhancing collaboration between county governments, national government agencies, local communities, and development partners to address resource-related conflicts and promote sustainable peace and socio-economic development in Samburu County, Kenya

Author Biographies

JOASH TALAI JAFRED, Department of Public Policy & Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya

Department of Public Policy & Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya

HEATHER KIPCHUMBA, PhD, Department of Public Policy & Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya

Department of Public Policy & Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya

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