VIHIGA COUNTY

PEACE AND CONFLICT PROFILE

N AT I O N A L S T E E R I N G C O M M I T T E E
O N P E AC E B U I L D I N G & C O N F L I C T M A N A G E M E N T
AMANI
KENYA
M i n i s t r y o f I n t e r i o r a n d C o o r d i n a t i o n o f N a t i o n a l G ove r n m e n t

Peace and conflict profile 1

Information gathering and review for Lamu County Peace and Conflict Profile was collected by Conflict Analysts
from NSC comprising Thomson Muthama, Peter Mwamachi, Samwel Ngunjiri, James Owino and Ahmed Biko

The team was supported by field researchers: Babu Ayindo, Doreen Ruto, Muktar Liban, Shaba Varajab, Johnstone
Kibor and Mugethi Gitau.

PACT support to the process was coordinated by Kassie Mc Ilvaine and Nikolai Hutchingson.

The entire process including data collection, compilation, review and stakeholders’ validation forums was
coordinated by Kiarie Njuguna. Initial compilation was done by Dr. Makodingo Washington and the final review,
compilation and editing done by Lazarus Kubasu Nolasco, Conflict Specialist Consultant, for the National Steering
Committee on Peacebuilding and Conflict Management (NSC).

Overall leadership and direction was provided by S.K. Maina, EBS, the National Coordinator, National Steering
Committee on Peace Building and Conflict Management (NSC).

Cover design and Layout by: Samuel Kinyanjui

2014

Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this report do not necessarily reflect the view of the Government of Kenya (GoK) or
United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
Contents
Abbreviations 4
1.0 Introduction 6
1.1 The National Steering Committee on Peacebuilding
and Conflict Management (NSC) 6
1.2 Rationale for County Peace and Conflict Profile 6
1.3 Methodology 7

2.0 County Demographics and Socio-Cultural Analysis 7

3.0 Priority Conflict Dynamics 9

3.1 Key Conflict Issues 10

4.0 Security Analysis 10

4.1 Epicenters of conflict and insecurity 11

5.0 Economic and Environmental Analysis 11

6.0 Political Trends 11

7.0 Access to Justice and Dispute Resolution Mechanisms 12

8.0 Role of the National Government in Peacebuilding

and Conflict Management 12

9.0 Role of County Governments in Peacebuilding

and Conflict Management 13
9.1 Opportunities for sustainable peace and security 14
9.2 Recommendations from County Stakeholders 14

10.0 Quick Win Propositions 15

Abbreviations
ADR Alternative Dispute Resolution
CEC County Executive Committee
CEWARN Conflict Early Warning
CEWER Conflict Early Warning and Early Response
CEWERU Conflict Early Warning and Response Unit
CPA County Policing Authority
CPMR Conflict Prevention Management and Resolution
CPSB County Public Service Board
CRA Commission on Revenue Allocation
CRECO Constitution and Reform Education Consortium
CSC County Security Committee
CSOs Civil Society Organizations
EBS Elder of the Burning Spear
FGDs Focus Group Discussions
GOK Government of Kenya
IEBC Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission
IGAD Inter-Government Authority on Development
KEPSA Kenya Private Sector Alliance

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KNBS Kenya National Bureau of Statistics
KNFP Kenya National Focal Point
MCA Member of the County Assembly
MOICNG Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government
MOSPAIS Ministry of State for Provincial Administration and Internal
Security
NCEWERS National Conflict Early Warning and Response System
NCIC National Cohesion and Integration Commission
NGAO National Government Administration Officers
NPS National Police Service
NSC-PBCM National Steering Committee on Peacebuilding and Conflict
Management
NLC National Land Commission
UN United Nations
SALWs Small Arms and Light Weapons
SCPCs Sub-County Peace Committees
UNDP United Nations Development Programme
USAID United States Agency for International Development

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1.0 Introduction
1.1 The National Steering Committee on Peacebuilding and Conflict
Management (NSC)

“National Steering
The National Steering Committee on Peacebuilding and
Committee (NSC) Conflict Management (NSC) was established in 2001. It is
provides a holistic an inter-agency committee comprising peace, security and
approach to development stakeholders. Its mandate is to consolidate
conflict prevention, and coordinate peacebuilding and conflict management
management, and initiatives in Kenya. The committee brings together peace
resolution” stakeholders from relevant Government Ministries and
Departments, civil society , development partners, and UN
agencies.
In Kenya, the NSC is also the National Conflict Early Warning and Early Response
Unit (CEWERU) under the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development’s (IGAD)
Conflict Early Warning (CEWARN) mechanism with the mandate to implement the
CEWARN Protocol. The NSC is served by a secretariat based within the Ministry
of Interior and Coordination of National Government. It has since developed the
National Policy on Peacebuilding and Conflict Management that provides strategic
direction to peace processes and strengthening of Kenya’s infrastructure for
peace. It has also developed Standard Guidelines and Terms of Reference for the
Establishment of Peace Structures.
1.2 Rationale for County Peace and Conflict Profile
The NSC has been instrumental in steering the peace processes in the country,
focusing on consolidating and strengthening local level responsiveness and capacity
in handling conflict situations. In view of the political and administrative changes
in the country, NSC in collaboration with CEWARN, USAID, PACT and Act Change
Transform (Act!) and a number of peace stakeholders embarked on developing the
peace and conflict profiles to track conflict trends and dynamics as well as their
effect on peace and development in all the 47 counties.
This work has been validated, reviewed and finalized and is now brought to the
attention of the County Government for implementation of the findings. It is
expected that the work will provide a solid platform
It is expected that the for the County Government to respond proactively to
County Government the core challenges of sustainable peace, security and
will mainstream development at the sub-national level.
findings of this report in
development planning, In addition, it is expected that this report will assist the
legislative agenda, County Government mainstream conflict management in
governance framework development planning, legislative agenda, and resource
and resource allocation allocation creating a sound framework for sustainable
for peaceful counties development.

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1.3 Methodology
This report is an outcome of desk review of various sources of data, field research
and consultations with peace and security stakeholders in the county undertaken
by NSC between November 2012 and June 2014. Field research involved key
informant interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs). Participants included
youth, women, opinion leaders, members of local peace committees, government
officials at all levels and civil society organizations (CSOs). Secondary data was
sourced from various key reports including the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics
(KNBS) Census Report of 2009; Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission
(IEBC) reports on electoral boundaries and registration of voter statistics; County
Fact Sheets from the Commission for Revenue Allocation (CRA); UWIANO Platform
for Peace reports; various NSC/ CEWARN sources including county briefs and
county situational analysis reports, the National Conflict Mapping and Analysis
publication (2011); Security Research and Information Center (SRIC) Report on Crime
Observatory; Constitution and Reform Education Consortium (CRECO) Report and
PACT draft county profiles among others. After consolidation of the initial findings, a
validation forum was conducted in the county involving the Office of the Governor,
a cross section of political leaders from the County including members of the
County assembly and Members of Parliament in the county, other opinion leaders,
Faith based organizations, the county security committee including the County
Commissioner, National Police Service commanders in the county, Deputy County
Commissioners from all the sub-counties; other government officials in the county
drawn from sectors dealing with Land matters, IEBC, environment (NEMA), wildlife
conservation, agriculture, livestock and fisheries, the Judiciary (local courts), forestry,
representatives from all the sub-county peace committees, the County Peace
Forum, women groups, youth representatives, people living with disabilities, and
local Civil society organizations working in the peace and security sector. Validation
meetings were hosted in all the counties to present the draft profiles in order to
check for accuracy as well as update the information compiled. A retreat was held in
Nanyuki in June 2014 to finalize the compilation of the reports. .
2.0 County Demographics and Socio-Cultural Analysis
Vihiga County is the smallest county within the former Western Province. Its
neighboring counties include Kakamega to the North, Kisumu to the South, Nandi
to the East and Siaya to the South-west. The county is largely populated by the
Maragoli community as well as the Bunyore and other
Land area of 531.30Km 2 small Luhya sub-groups. The Kikuyu, Kisii and Luo
Total Population of people are also present. With coverage of 531.30 square
Vihiga County is kilometers, Vihiga County lies in the rain rich region of
estimated to be 554,622 western Kenya with an average annual rainfall of between
people 1,800mm-2000mm and an average temperature of 24°C
making it a fertile ground for cash crops such as tea. The
Male - 47%, county also has a significant potential in production of
Female – 53% maize, beans and vegetables among others. The county’s
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capital is Mbale Town. The county has 5 constituencies namely: Emuhaya, Hamisi,
Sabatia, Vihiga and Luanda. The county has a population density of 1078 people
per square kilometer and an annual growth rate of 5.3% making up a population of
554,622 people. It has the largest Quaker denomination of Christian community in
Kenya. Vihiga County is dotted with scenic rocks and hills. From Shamakhokho the
road from Hamisi through Gisambai and Majengo passes through scenic hills and
valleys and tea plantations. The ‘hill of vision’ is one of the major attractions and has
natural resources including forest, stone, quarry, and rivers.
Below please find selected County Statistics for Vihiga
Surface Area: 536.8 Km2

Number of Constituencies (2010):  5 ( Vihiga, Sabatia, Hamisi, Luanda and Emuhaya)

County capital:  Mbale town

Population: 554,622 (Male – 47 %, Female – 53-%)

Population Density: 1,045 people per Km2

Population Growth Rate: 5.3 %

Number of Households 128,754

Poverty Rate: 41.8%

Population with Secondary Education: 12.7%

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 Population with Primary Education: 71.2%

Urban Population: 31.4%

Tourist Attractions and Sites:  • Scenic Hill (Hill of Vision)

• The Equator
• Maragoli Hills Forest
• Mungoma caves
• Wagevere rocks embossed with footprints in
Matsigulu near Kivagala.

Natural Resources: Forests, Rivers, Stone Quarries, Arable Land,

Livestock, Pasture

FY 2013/14 CRA Allocation:   Kshs. 2,831,564,442

Main Economic Activities/Industries: Agriculture

Social and Cultural activities: Majorly agriculturalists

Agricultural products: • Tea, Maize, Beans, Cassava, Sweet potatoes,

Livestock products

Potential: • Minerals like gold

• Improve tea farming
• Horticultural farming
• Natural resources as forests, rivers, stone
quarry
• Tourist Attractions as Hill of Vision

Challenges: • Is one of the counties that has the highest

overall expenditure per household
• Very high population growth rate that the
infrastructure is not able to sustain
• High population density
Source: Varied – CRA, KNBS, County Profiles

3.0 Priority Conflict Dynamics

Vihiga County is a relatively calm county. Despite the differing political views among
the residents of Vihiga, there has been little or no violent conflict. For a long period
of time, Vihiga politics has been dominated by the Moses Mudamba Mudavadi
dynasty. After his demise, his son Wycliffe Musalia Mudavadi took over the political,
mantle. KANU dominated the political scene until NARC came to power in 2003.
Mudavadi lost that election on a KANU ticket but came back in 2007, under ODM.
The voting trend in the county in 2013 featured not only the Amani Coalition but
also the CORD Coalition and People’s Party of Kenya.

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3.1 Key Conflict Issues
• Political competition
• Land
• Poverty
• Youth unemployment, drug and
• substance abuse
• Cattle theft
• High population density

• Political Competition: Vihiga County experiences political competition based

on the Luhya sub-tribes. The Luhya people have now been christened the most
democratic ethnic group in Kenya who never vote as a block in general elections.
• Land: Due to the high population density in the county, there is a lot of pressure
on the available land resources. This is one of the key factors that has led to
numerous family disputes among the local communities. The disputes are
prevalent in areas where the family patriarch fails to distribute land to siblings
before their demise.
• Poverty: Vihiga County has a high poverty level with 62% of its residents living
below the poverty line. This could be one of the factors that spurs conflicts as
people compete for the little land available. .
• Youth unemployment, drug and substance abuse: Youth unemployment
in the county stands at 52%. This coupled with rampant alcohol and substance
abuse increases potential for youth involvement in criminal activities and
manipulation to violence.
• Cattle theft: This is especially witnessed along the Vihiga county-Nandi county
border in Hamisi Sub-County. Efforts are underway to address the matter.

4.0 Security Analysis

The security situation in Vihiga is relatively calm except for less often political
differences between the Luhya sub-tribes. The county has a high poverty index with
majority of the population living on small land holdings while 52% of youths are
unemployed. Such statistics are an indicator for potential increase in insecurity and
crime. The dreaded Angola-Msumbiji group that unleashed terror in Kakamega and
Vihiga in the 1970s is still remembered to date. The ruthless Angola-Msumbiji gang
drew its members from Bunyore, Kisa, Idakho, Butsotso, Isukha, Marama and Wanga
communities. The gang used to target business people and would warn there would-
be victims of their intended raid before attacking. The criminal gang was contained
by security agents and is no longer a security threat. Rapid population growth is
exacting massive pressure on land, water and forestry resources. Meanwhile, a high
rate of youth unemployment has worsened the poverty situation, resulting in school
dropouts, broken homes, alcoholism and rising crime. Erosion of traditional cultural

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values due to urbanization has weakened the taboos that placed moral restrictions
in the past.
4.1 Epicenters of conflict and insecurity

o Cheptulu • Majengo market

• Lwanda town • Serem
• Maseno-Lwanda boundary • ShamaKhokho
• Chavakali market • Hamisi-Nandi County Border

5.0 Economic and Environmental Analysis

Vihiga County has a hilly terrain and is one of the most
“The main economic densely populated counties in the country. It has a good
is agriculture mainly amount of forest cover such as Kibiri forest, which is an
focusing on crop
extension of the Kakamega forest hence favorable for
planting”
agriculture which is the main economic activity in the area.
Crops planted include tea, maize, millet, bananas, avocado,
papaya, sweet potatoes and cassava. Livestock rearing is also practiced in the county.
Tea farming is the main cash crop besides growing maize, millet, cassava and dairy
farming. Quarrying is also practiced. The mainstay of the economy is subsistence
agriculture as well as small scale cash crop farming. The county has a tea processing
factory at Mudete along Chavakali-Kapsabet road. Other activities include small
scale trading.
The high population has put pressure on the environment with high levels of
soil erosion and environmental degradation. Vihiga has all the tools of economic
development and with the advent of the county governments, one expects a boom
in development given that the county’s population is quite well and growing in a
manner to suggest that local consumption would bolster economic development.
Tourist attraction sites include the Maragoli Hills Forest which of course is becoming
bare due to rampant and uncontrolled deforestation; the Mungoma caves, the home
of the founding father of the Maragoli; eco-tourism and bird watching. The county
has also lovely spots to view the sunset and sundown. Quarrying for construction
materials and dairy farming are also widely practiced activities in Vihiga County. The
county has a huge economic potential with prospecting for minerals at Kichutu
mines and Kaimosi Forest ongoing.

6.0 Political Trends

In various parts of Kenya, political processes have at times fuelled conflicts and
insecurity. The negative impacts of such conflicts are significant and undermine
sustainable development and investment in the County. With the formation of
County Governments it is important that the County Governments of Vihiga
addresses the impact of past conflicts and work to prevent future conflicts. In light

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of this, a brief summary of political trends in the Vihiga County is presented below.
Voting History:
1992: KANU (Kenya African National Union)
1997: KANU (Kenya African National Union)
2002: NARC (National Alliance Rainbow Coalition)
2007: ODM (Orange Democratic Movement)
2013: UDF/Amani Coalition
Voter Turnout:
Vihiga County has always experienced average voter turnout during elections with
the highest turnout having been recorded in the 2013 elections and the lowest in
the 2002 elections:
Highest: 82.62% (2013 Elections)
Lowest: 51% (2002 Elections)
Modest: 67% (1992 Elections)

7.0 Access to Justice and Dispute Resolution Mechanisms

The county has two Magistrate Courts situated in Hamisi and Vihiga Towns. .There
is no High Court in the County, thus the county experiences low access to judicial
services considering the high population.

8.0 Role of the National Government in Peacebuilding and

Conflict Management
The Government of Kenya is committed to the peace processes at the county,
regional, national and international levels. This commitment is demonstrated through
the ratification of international and regional treaties and protocols on matters of
peace and security. The national Government is charged with the responsibility of
coordinating peacebuilding and conflict management programmes and processes
- it does this in collaboration with county governments and other stakeholders.
The government also engages in addressing cross border issues with other
regional actors. The National Government continues to promote peaceful
coexistence in the country through various structures and initiatives. These include
establishment of peace committees, relevant independent commissions and
tribunals, border committees, facilitation of dialogue, capacity building, training
and security deployment among others. Specifically, the National Government
has also mainstreamed peace education in the school curriculum, capacity
enhancement, establishment of conflict early warning system, monitoring of hate
speech, conflict sensitive media education, alternative dispute resolution (ADR)

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mechanisms, resettlement programs, disarmament and control of illicit arms. The
national government does this through coordination, consultation, collaboration
information-sharing and synergy-building among concerned stakeholders.
The peace and conflict profiles provide an opportunity for greater collaboration
between the national government and county governments in addressing conflicts
and realizing sustainable peace and development across the country.

9.0 Role of County Governments in Peacebuilding and

Conflict Management
“County Governments
For a long time, the country experienced uneven
are now increasingly distribution of power and resources due to centralized
considered to have a system of governance that has also been blamed for
key role in responding conflicts. To address this challenge, Kenya promulgated
to social economic a new constitution in 2010 that has devolved decision
needs making and resources to the Counties. Devolution of
of her population as power and resources is therefore viewed as the most
part of consolidation appropriate approach for promoting participation,
of peace and state representation, inclusion and accountability in the
building and thus country.
alleviate tensions based
on social exclusion, Due to their close proximity to communities, county
polarization and governments can now effectively respond to the needs
regional disparities” of the people and consequently enhance peaceful
coexistence in the country. Therefore, the onset of
peacebuilding process begins with ensuring representation and inclusion of all
stakeholders in decision making and responding to their socio- economic needs.
This will help alleviate tensions based on social exclusion, polarization and regional
disparities that are often the root causes of conflicts. While the national government
continues to provide policy, technical and financial support to the peace agenda in
the country, the county government has a major role to play in supporting peace
processes. This will be achieved through integrating peace in the County Integrated
Development Plans (CIDPs).
The CIDPs should be designed and implemented in a conflict sensitive manner in
order to promote inclusiveness, integration and cohesion. The county government
should also support the establishment and or strengthening local peace structures
including provision of resources to the peace structures. The county should also
expedite the establishment of County Policing Authorities (CPA) so as to provide an
accountability forum for peace and security in the devolved units. It is increasingly
becoming clear that peace is a shared responsibility between the National and
County Governments. It should be noted that, promoting a culture of peace is a
prerequisite for sustainable.

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9.1 Opportunities for sustainable peace and security
NSC has led national level processes for strengthening peace and security in the
country, which are being formalized by the National Peace Policy. It would be
important for the County Government of Vihiga to build on these existing initiatives
as outlined below:
• Institutionalization of local peace structures such as Sub-County Peace
Committees (SCPCs) County Peace Forum and County Based Early Warning and
Early Response System.
• Support of small arms control processes through the formation of County
Task Forces (CTFs) on small arms.
• International Day of Peace (IDoP): participate in commemorating the IDoP
• County Peace Awards: participate in identifying nominees for the awards.
• Conflict Sensitive Planning and Development: Integrating conflict sensitivity
in County Integrated Development Plans.
• Healing and Reconciliation: Support healing and reconciliation processes
including documentation of community peace agreements.
• Council of Elders: Incorporation of local council of elders in the peace building
and conflict management e.g. Maragoli, Tiriki and Bunyore Council of Elders.
9.2 Recommendations from County Stakeholders
• Promote Land Use planning in the County: Considering the extent of use of
land, local people needs to be educated on the need to stop extreme subdivision
of land and the county needs to take serious land use planning and develop a
collaborative land use plan for the county. The Governor will need to take this
consultation a notch higher by providing leadership on the issue.
• Promote service related enterprise and alternative business: Due to
scarcity and constrained overuse of land in Vihiga, it is advisable that county
promotes service related enterprises as an alternative to land based livelihood.
The county administration will need to focus on skills development for enterprise
for the local people to raise their standards of living. Many young people remain
unemployed and do not own land. This calls the county to be innovative about
employment creation for the youth.
• Support County Peace Forum and Sub-County peace committees:
Activities that promote peaceful coexistence need to be upheld among the
youthful population who are the most susceptible target for politicians who
would like to use them to achieve their own personal goals. It is important
that the County Government supports the critical role the sub-county peace
committees play in conflict early warning coordination and early response. The
committees could also be involved in using Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

14 Peace and conflict profile

 mechanism in solving land problems in the county.
• Foster market integration: The County Government should strive to improve
access to better markets for food crops produced in the country to improve
household incomes for the people.
• Strengthening Partnership with Peace and Security Stakeholders.
.The County and the National Government should work with the Civil Society
Organizations and Faith Based organizations in fostering peace and security - in
the county.

10.0 Quick Win Propositions

i. Undertake youth unemployment study in Vihiga County
ii. Develop Youth Employment and Enterprise Strategy
iii. Develop Consultative County Physical Development Plan with involvement
of all stakeholders
iv. Institute County Land Board
v. Implement Nyumba Kumi Community Policing Program
vi. Implement Community Early Warning and Early Response framework

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The Conflict Analysis Group
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