PSYCHOSOCIAL EFFECTS OF INTERETHNIC CONFLICT AND FAITH-BASED INTERVENTIONS: A STUDY OF NJORO SUB-COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

In this article, the author discusses the psychosocial effects of interethnic conflict on individuals and communities. He further examines faith-based interventions that are provided to alleviate negative effects focusing on Njoro Sub-county as a case study. The conflict in the Sub-county has been characterized by the burning of houses, interruption of livelihoods, education and health sectors, and sometimes occurrence of maiming and deaths. One of the resultant effects has been interference of the psychosocial wellbeing of the affected individuals and communities. Faith-based interventions through religious institutions and their respective officials have conspicuously participated in efforts aimed at attending to the psychosocial effect of the conflict. The interethnic conflict in the area researched has adversely affected the psychosocial health of the population. The effects have emanated from recurrent violence which causes loss of property, livelihoods, maiming, loss of lives in some instances, and tensions, suspicions, and mistrust among ethnic communities. Separations in marriage and family have made individuals and particularly children become exposed to psychological and social problems. Subsequently, adverse effects on the delivery of essential services including health and education, and occasional interruptions of road transport have also contributed to the psychosocial problems. Faith-based interventions are among significant interventions that have addressed the psychosocial problems associated with the conflict. The psychosocial effects of the interethnic conflict remain a concern because a resolution to the conflict has not been found. The psychosocial wellbeing is therefore constantly at risk because of the continuing interethnic mistrust, hatred and threats, interruptions of livelihoods and essential services. Considering the potential of faith-based interventions, it is important to enhance their capacity to effectively address psychosocial problems caused by the recurrent interethnic conflict.