TRANSFORMING ETHNIC IDENTITY THROUGH STATE INTERVENTIONS: INTER-ETHNIC CONFLICT MANAGEMENT IN BUNGOMA COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Intra and inter-ethnic identities, built over time buttress ethnic conflicts globally. In Kenya, Bungoma in partic-ular, the conflicts experienced in 1963, including unparalleled violence in 1992 were underpinned by socio-historical, cultural, ethnic and geographical identity factors. Specific objective of the study was to examine the statist inter-ethnic integration of ethnic identity issues in management of inter-ethnic conflicts in Bungoma County. The study was guided by a conceptual framework anchored on Galtung’s Conflict Triangle and Leder-ach’s Conflict Transformation theories. A descriptive research design was used, while the study was conducted in Bungoma County. Simple Radom and Purposive were applied to determine participants. A sample size of 394, derived from 26581 population using Yamane formula was used. Questionnaires, interviews, FGD and document analysis were instruments used. Data was quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed. The study find-ings which wobbled from inter-communal stereotyping to misunderstandings to lack of information and poli-tics showed that, first, ethnic differences which emanated from varying inter-ethnic histories scored 50% re-sponses, cultural differences 40% and varied geographical location 10% responses. Second, inter-communal social differences ranged from in-born hatred 17% responses, value differences 18%, cultural dissimilarity 17%, unfair distribution of education 17%, varying norms 17% and religious rivalry 14% responses. Finally, negative ethnicity response scores demonstrated that, except for inter-communal politics’ driving negative eth-nicity, underscored in politicians using ethnic differences for political expediency which scored 16% respons-es, the rest, inter-communal perceptions, ethnic majority-minority contests, ethnic fear of survival, inter-communal inequitable access to power, historical injustices and ethnic chauvinism scored 14% responses each in accounting for identity issues in influencing conflicts in Bungoma County. Statist interventions against inter

-ethnic hatred over ethnic values, culture and religion are underpinned in 2010 constitution. However, in fur-therance to curing inter-communal stereotypes, drives of negative ethnicity like politics and enhance under-standing and tolerance, the study recommends translation of peacebuilding process in Bungoma into creative art and documentary. This will increase awareness and integration of identity issues in management of ethnic conflicts in Bungoma County.