Purpose -Within the theoretical context of human security, this United Nations (UN) three-year research project examines the causes and effects of conflicts in the arid and semi-arid lands of Northern Kenya. The purpose of this paper is to address the human security concerns arising out of conflict, displacement, migration and poverty. The people who live in the area are mainly nomadic pastoralists. Design/methodology/approach -A review of previous empirical research and ongoing field studies are used to examine four problem areas: cattle rustling, proliferation of small arms, competition over scarce resources and conflict between refugees and local communities. Findings -Seeking access to water and green pastures, the nomads generally follow their cattle across the region, and their movement is not confined to Kenya alone. They cross and re-cross international boundaries to and from Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia and Uganda resulting in conflicts over water and pasture. Resource competition in a fragile economy has had grave consequences for the economic security of families and internally displaced people. Originality/value -The North Rift and North Eastern regions of Kenya are the most underdeveloped area of the country and suffer from a high level of human insecurity, with more than three-quarters of the population living below the poverty line. This UN project seeks an empirical understanding of the causes of conflict and ways to build the capacity of a vulnerable population to gain both freedom from fear and freedom from want.

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This paper examines the role of institutions in the development process of African countries. It has been show that, whereas institutions have played a greater role in the economic development of several East Asian countries, in Africa they are weaker and ineffective because of poor enforcement of the rule of law, corruption, mismanagement, absence of strong civil society and political interference. It is argued that well-functioning institutions can promote growth and reduce poverty in Africa by providing a conducive environment for implementation and sustainable development programmes Therefore, African countries should Endeavour to establish effective, responsive and democratic institutions that will promote accountable and transparent governance and sustainable socioeconomic development.

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The Dadaab refugee camp was established in 1991 to accommodate Somali refugees fleeing the ongoing violence, environmental and social problems caused by civil war, famine, and drought. The camp is located in Garissa County in the Northeastern region of Kenya. Recent data indicate that the current population of Dadaab camp (463, 422) is more than five times the camp's recommended initial capacity of 90,000 people. This influx of refugees into Northeastern Kenya has stressed local resources within the region and requires careful negotiation between the host community residents and refugees. This study analyses this challenging situation through a human security lens, which seeks to encompass the social, political, economic, cultural, and environmental conditions necessary to support sustainable human well-being. The study also identifies the human security challenges facing the refugees and examines the factors influencing conflict between the host community residents and the refugees. Programmatic suggestions for sustainable solutions that empower both the host community residents and the refugees are discussed.