TRENDS AND MANAGEMENT OF WATER RELATED CONFLICTS IN THE UPPER EWASO NYIRO, NORTH RIVER SUB-BASIN OF KENYA
Lesrima Simeon
Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies, University of Nairobi, Kenya
Nyamasyo Gideon
Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies, University of Nairobi, Kenya
Kiemo K.
Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies, University of Nairobi, Kenya
ABSTRACT
Water conflicts in the Upper Ewaso Nyiro north river sub-basin have huge impact on the livelihoods of the communities AND necessitating the need for a resolution for sustainable use and for peaceful co-existence of water users. The Theory of Access, Game Theory informed the study. Data was collected using primary and secondary sources. Primary data collection tools were structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and transect walks. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative data analysis and summative content analysis was applied for qualitative data analysis. Results show that 66.7% and 49.4% of downstream and upstream households respectively confirm the presence of water related conflicts in the sub-basin. The results further show that 60.7% of the households mention conflicts as seasonal while 26.6% state water related conflicts as unpredictable. The findings profile a trend where experienced water conflicts are related to water scarcity. The study further established that 32.6% of the households indicated increased tensions, animosity, quarrels, hostile verbal exchanges, fighting and loss of property as the major manifestation of water conflicts, 31.3% indicated tensions and animosity while 16.9% indicate fighting and loss of property. 23.7% of reports were made to faith-based organizations while 19.5% reported to Water Resources Users Associations. The study established that 43.5% of the conflicts were reported to provincial administration as the authority in conflict management. Finally, the rule of law in water and environmental management should be main- streamed at all levels from water users to institutions mandated to oversee enforcement.
