The Dynamics of Ethnic Conflicts and Problems of National Cohesion and Integration in Kenya 1963-2018

Abstract

Kenya like many of the African states is a multiethnic nation. Conflict always arises as a result of the unequal distribution of national resources among ethnic communities. While ethnicity has featured prominently in most studies on Kenya, the majority of them have used ethnicity to explain conflicts and political trends in the country. Very few studies have, however, focused on the efforts to promote national cohesion and integration in Kenya. The study argued that the challenge of identity in Kenya had been exacerbated by failure in nation-building and the creation of a national identity. This paper seeks to unearth how ethnic conflict in Kenya has impeded national cohesion and integration. In order to adequately answer the above subject under the study, the researcher will be led by this objective; to find out the extent to which dynamics of ethnic conflict have impeded national cohesion and integration in Kenya from 1963 to 2007. In order to adequately answer this objective, the study adopted a qualitative approach by critically analysing the available literature on the subject matter to reach a logical conclusion. The paper found that since its independence in 1963, Ethnic conflicts have been perfected and formed patronage that has been to the detriment of Kenya’s nationhood. The paper concludes that unless there is political goodwill to reframe socioeconomic policies that would in turn lead to equitable distribution of national resources among all ethnic groups and tame human nature through instilling national ethos, the initiatives for national cohesion and integration will be in vain