By:Betty Luke
Water scarcity and competition over pasture are fueling resource-based conflicts among pastoralist communities in Isiolo, Samburu, Laikipia and Meru counties, prompting the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) to use sport and water investment to strengthen peace and resilience.
The inaugural Road Race for Peace and Resilience brought together communities, including Morans, from the four counties in a push to address water shortages while promoting peaceful coexistence.
The race raised more than Sh130 million for four community water projects expected to benefit more than 30,000 people and provide water for about 50,000 livestock.
James Lokuno, a resident from Samburu’s Waso ward noted the initiative would greatly contribute to peaceful coexistence as they had for a long time suffered persistent conflict occasioned by recurring drought.
He called on the NDMA to ensure equal distribution of the resources raised among the targeted communities.
The projects are intended to ease pressure on scarce water resources, particularly during drought when pastoralists are forced to move with their livestock in search of water and pasture.
Samburu County Commissioner Isaak Keter said drought was closely linked to insecurity as communities compete for increasingly limited resources.
“Drought enables insecurity as communities fight for inadequate water and pasture for their animals,” Keter said, calling on pastoralists to embrace peaceful ways of sharing resources.
Keter also hailed the Morans for participating in the 10km, 5km and 2km races, saying their involvement was important in strengthening relationships between neighbouring communities.
Waso MCA Kelvin Lemantaan said access to water for both people and livestock was critical to building resilient communities and reducing tensions.
“It is a shame that every time our neighbours have lost their livestock, we are mentioned,” Lemantaan said, calling on the county commissioner to work with conservancies to address insecurity.
Lemantaan said the participation of Morans from Isiolo, Marsabit and Samburu was deliberate, aimed at creating unity among young pastoralists and strengthening relations with neighbouring communities.
“Without peace we cannot survive in this world. Our desire is a peaceful society,” he said, appreciating development partners for supporting initiatives focused on peace and resilience.
NDMA Chief Executive Officer Hared Hassan said the authority was committed to promoting peace among communities in Isiolo, Samburu, Laikipia and Meru, noting that previous peace caravans had also created opportunities for dialogue.
Hassan urged communities to reconsider livestock raids and other forms of conflict, saying development interventions could only have lasting impact where communities live peacefully.
“It is the responsibility of the community to ensure peaceful coexistence as that is the only way to attract government projects and initiatives,” he said.
Peace and Road Race Ambassador Daniel Ebenyo said peace was essential for communities to thrive, as conflict disrupts education, livelihoods and access to basic services.
“We run for peace and for opportunities. When there is peace, a society thrives. Children remain in school and we are able to access everything we need,” Ebenyo said, calling for a concerted effort to build resilient communities.
The initiative was supported by Plan International Kenya, KCB Bank, Equity Bank, Cooperative Bank, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Action Against Hunger and other partners.
