STAKEHOLDER-INVOLVEMENT IN WATER RESOURCE RELATED CONFLICT MANAGEMENT IN LAKE TURKANA BASIN OF KENYA

Abstract

Lake Turkana is the largest permanent desert lake in the world and a crucial water source in Turkana County, sustaining thousands of livelihoods. The ethnic groups are primarily nomadic pastoralists. The region is heavily prone to perennial water resources related conflict resulting into perennial displacement of human beings and animals.  Prior studies established that perennial resource conflict is fuelled by stakeholders.  The study aimed to determine stakeholders' participation in managing water resource conflict in Kenya's Lake Turkana Basin. A descriptive research design anchored on negotiation theory was applied. A sample of 36 respondents were contacted through a structured questionnaire, Key Informant Interview (KII) schedule, observation guide and Focused Group Discussions (FGDs). The study revealed limited stakeholder exposure to conflict management and biased participation. The study concluded that stakeholder involvement and poor stakeholder identification bred water resource related conflict. In matters conflict management, the under-developed road structures and poor communication facilities make it difficult to mobilize people in the vast lake basin The study recommends broader stakeholder inclusion in future conflict management, applying Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods such as enhanced traditional dispute resolution mechanism, mediation and negotiation.