Kenya: Communal violence in the north leads to displacement
| Publisher | Norwegian Refugee Council/Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (NRC/IDMC) |
| Publication Date | 13 January 2012 |
| Cite as | Norwegian Refugee Council/Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (NRC/IDMC), Kenya: Communal violence in the north leads to displacement, 13 January 2012, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4f17ff3f2.html [accessed 21 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Inter-ethnic violence over water and pasture resources in northern Kenya has led to loss of life and displacement. Violence in Moyale near the Ethiopian border between the Borana and Gabra herding communities has claimed the lives of 46 people and displaced over 6,600, according to a local leader. The violence was reportedly triggered by attempts by both communities, including tribesmen from across the border, to seize grazing land. According to the Daily Nation of Kenya, Government offices and businesses could not open for fear of looting, and the education of some 3,000 children was affected as 17 schools remained closed.
Violence in pastoral areas in 2011 left more than 350 people dead, compared to 179 in 2010, highlighting the impact of the 2011 drought in increasing resource-based conflicts. The National Cohesion and Integration Commission, which the government set up following the post-election crisis of 2008, also linked the ethnic violence to the general election due in 2012. Localised tensions have increased as the move towards devolved county governments has intensified competition for local power and resources.
