To read the other sets of learning briefs in this series, please follow these links: Flood Mitigation and Resilience, Innovative Tools and Capacity Building, and Sustainable Financing Methods.
Background
This learning brief is part of a series highlighting the work of the Resilient Arid Lands Partnership for Integrated Development (RAPID+) program in Kenya. The program is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), with additional contributions from Millennium Water Alliance, participating county governments (Isiolo, Garissa, Wajir, Turkana, and Marsabit), selected private sector partners, and the four implementing organizations: CARE Kenya, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Food for the Hungry (FH), and World Vision (WV).
The RAPID+ program aims to improve access to safe and sustainably managed water and rangelands in pastoralist communities across all RAPID+ project countries, thus contributing to resilient livelihoods for communities in a peaceful environment. RAPID+ is designed to address two core problems and the complex interactions amid changing climate conditions: insufficient access to adequate and sustainable water for multiple uses and declining rangeland resources.
RAPID+ also aims to improve efficiency in the operations and maintenance of water infrastructure; increase the capacities of governments and communities to manage water resources and services; strengthen the institutions for rangeland management; encourage opportunities for the private sector; target the use of innovative technology where it is appropriate and sustainable; and reduce the disparities of gender in access to and control of water resources.
The following set of stories from the RAPID+ program focuses on the theme of Peacebuilding and Conflict Mitigation in Wajir county.
Wajir County: Promoting Peace through Diaglogue, a Story from Ademadajida
Background
Prolonged drought forced pastoralists from Wajir West, Eldas, and Wajir North to migrate into Isiolo and Marsabit counties, seeking water and pasture. Their arrival near Kone and Hawaye in Isiolo sparked tensions with local host communities, as competition for dwindling resources like water and grazing land intensified. Despite earlier efforts, disputes between pastoralists from Ademasajida in Wajir County and Sericho in Isiolo County persisted, threatening peaceful coexistence. Conflicts arose over livestock theft, restricted grazing areas, poor communication during migrations, and resource disputes. Additional issues including bushfires, cross-border trafficking, and animal diseases compounded the tensions. With water sources such as the Ewaso Ng’iro River nearing depletion, disagreements escalated, increasing the need for swift intervention.
Intervention: Intra-Community Peace Dialogue
The Directorate of Peace, Ademasajida Rangeland Management Committee with support from RAPID+, has convened intra-community dialogues in Ademasajida ward. The meeting aimed to resolve outstanding disputes as a precursor to a larger inter-county dialogue between Wajir West and Sericho Sub-County in Isiolo. Key participants have included the Assistant County Commissioner, local chiefs, peace committee members, youth, women, and elders. The dialogue furthered open discussions about resource access, theft, and social issues affecting the communities. Key resolutions were agreed upon as outlined below.
- Inter-County Peace Dialogue: A broader meeting between Wajir West and Sericho will be organized to address deeper issues.
- Early Warning Systems: Elders will monitor tensions and report emerging conflicts promptly to prevent escalation.
- Rapid Response Mechanism: The Directorate of Peace will respond swiftly to any disputes.
- Improved Communication: Regular cross-border meetings will be held to enhance coordination and trust between communities.
Impact: A Shift Toward Peace
The intra-community dialogue has led to tangible improvements in relations between the pastoralist communities. Pastoralists have begun notifying elders and leaders before moving their herds across territories, reducing friction over shared resources. The efforts have also curbed livestock theft, with market monitoring measures introduced to prevent reselling of stolen animals.
During the recent migration season, pastoralists from Ademasajida reported fewer incidents of violence, attributing the peaceful period to enhanced coordination between peace committees. “We now understand each other better, and our meetings are helping us solve issues before they become problems,” remarked Mr. Abdi Mohamed, a local elder.
Resources
To read the other sets of learning briefs in this series, please follow these links: Flood Mitigation and Resilience, Innovative Tools and Capacity Building, and Sustainable Financing Methods.
For additional information about the RAPID+ program, please click here.
For additional questions, please contact June Samo, RAPID+ Program Director, (june.samo@mwawater.org)
