FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO PROLIFERATION OF SMALL ARMS AND LIGHT WEAPONS AMONG THE RENDILLE COMMUNITY IN MARSABIT COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

his research paper assessed the factors contributing to proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons among the Rendille community in Marsabit County-Kenya, and adopted a descriptive survey research design. The target population was 477 people drawn from the Rendille Community, Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, and Non-Governmental Organizations, from which a proportionate sample size of 150 participated in the study. Questionnaires, interview schedules and Focused Group Discussions were used in collection of primary data which was corroborated with existing secondary data. Convergent parallel mixed method of data analysis and presentation of the findings was used, where quantitative data analysis involved the use of descriptive statistics with frequencies, percentages and graphs being used, while qualitative analysis involved the use of narratives and quotes. Ethical consideration including confidentiality, anonymity and informed consent of the respondents were strictly adhered to. Additionally, prior written permission from the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation, and other County administrative organs were also sought prior to conducting the research study. Based on the findings, it was found out that the major factors contributing to proliferation of small arms and light weapons among the Rendille community included the readiness for revenge attacks (counter-offensive strategy), conflict over resources, boundary disputes, cattle rustling, inter-ethnic conflicts, and political differences among the various ethnic groups living in the County. The researchers recommended that national government should recruit, equip and deploy adequate security personnel to Marsabit County to provide the requisite security and secure the porous borders from arms traffic flow. With the help of the County Government of Marsabit, national government can identify development projects that provide an alternative source of income to the pastoralist communities. Lastly, further research was recommended on the implication of primordial social linkages among the transnational border communities in proliferation of small arms and light weapons. Keywords: Small Arms and Light Weapons, Proliferation, Security, Kenya.