Effectiveness of the Mitigation Strategies Adopted in the Management Processes to Improve Interethnic Relations in Uasin Gishu and Trans-Nzoia Counties, Kenya

Abstract

Over time, attempts have been made to reform the electoral management process since the advent of electioneering in Kenya. The reforms culminated in their inclusion in the 2010 Constitution of Kenya which provides an enabling legal framework for electoral management in the country. The primary objective of this research was to assess the effectiveness of mitigation strategies implemented in the management processes to enhance interethnic relations in Uasin Gishu and Trans-Nzoia Counties. The study drew guidance from the Models of Electoral Management. The target population of the study was 6,618 respondents. A total sample size of 325 participants were included in the study, comprising various stakeholders such as election victims, former ECK officials, political aspirants, local observers, election agents, county commissioners, chiefs, security enforcers, village elders, NGOs, and camp administrators. The sample size was determined through purposive sampling technique. The research employed a descriptive survey design along with a mixed methods approach. Data collection methods encompassed interviews, questionnaires, and Focus Group Discussions. To ensure reliability, a pilot study was conducted to validate the research instruments. Quantitative data from closed-ended questions were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in the form of charts and pie charts. Thematic analysis was employed to interpret qualitative data obtained from interviews, Focus Group Discussions, and open-ended questions. The study results indicated that the mitigation strategies adopted in the management processes to improve interethnic relations included establishment of TJRC (20%), the establishment of the IEBC (19.4%), introduction of the security reforms (16.9), ensuring compensation for victims who suffered property loss (13.5%), prosecuting those believed to be responsible for violence during General Elections (10.5%), facilitating the resettlement of affected individuals (7.1%), and instituting a national council of elders (10.8%) were among the proposed actions. Emphasizing reconciliation was advised as it has long been relied upon as a traditional means to settle inter-community disputes.