THE KENYA RED CROSS HUMANITARIAN INTERVENTION A CASE STUDY OF THARAKA DISTRICTS, KENYA

Abstract

ABSTRACT For several years, the different communities within Tharaka Districts have had to face a myriad of challenges that have left them weak and impoverished. These challenges have been both natural and man-made. They include; inter community warfare, land clashes/conflict over scarce natural resources, population growth, hunger and famine. In understanding these major issues, the region is unique as it is occupied by different ethnic communities/clans; these are the Tharaka, Imenti, Tigania and Igembe sub tribes which make up the larger Meru tribe and the Akamba people. It is important to note that each of the Ameru sub tribe has different tribal and clan systems and rituals that are not common in the other sub-tribes. Research methodology refers to procedures and techniques that help the researcher to accurately carry out a study without bias. It involves description of research design, targeted population, and the area of study, sampling designs, description of research instruments and data collection and analysis procedures. All the data derived from answers to questionnaires, interview schedules and focus group discussions were analyzed descriptively and presented in a narrative form. Characteristics of contemporary conflicts include the deliberate targeting of civilians, large scale population displacement, grave violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, the targeting of international humanitarian personnel, and restrictions on humanitarian access to civilians hence it is the obligation of the state and non-state actors to provide an environment in which humanitarian organizations can effectively and safely deliver humanitarian assistance to populations in need