Effectiveness with County Government Economic Strategies in Promoting Sustainable Peace: A Case Study of Baringo County, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of economic empowerment as a peacebuilding strategy in Baringo County, Kenya, addressing the persistent challenge of inter-ethnic conflicts and instability between 2012 and 2024. Employing a descriptive research design guided by Conflict Transformation Theory, the study integrated quantitative and qualitative methods. Data were collected through questionnaires and oral interviews, with respondents selected via random sampling. Both primary and secondary sources were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), with results presented in tables using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages. The findings revealed a significant positive correlation between county-led economic empowerment initiatives such as community development funding, agricultural diversification, and capacity-building for small-scale traders and sustainable peace. These programs enhanced economic resilience, reduced inter-ethnic tensions, and redirected youth from conflict to peacebuilding activities. The study concludes that economic reforms are vital for reducing instability and fostering lasting peace in Baringo County. It recommends increased investment in community development, promotion of agricultural diversification, and institutionalization of capacity-building programs to strengthen economic resilience and consolidate peace. This research underscores the critical role of economic empowerment in mitigating conflict and promoting sustainable development, offering actionable insights for policymakers in conflict-prone regions.