This archive report was first published on 19 November 2021.
Kenya is grappling with inter-county boundary disputes in at least 15 counties, with politics and revenue collection being major contributors to the tensions.
According to a report by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, the disputes are also fueled by competition for resources such as pasture and water, as well as retaliatory attacks.
Speaking during a meeting with a joint Senate committee, Matiang'i noted that politicians often use emotive border debates to win votes, leading to clashes, sometimes deadly.
“Political incitement and interference has contributed to the conflict especially before and during the election period. Some politicians bring up the issue of boundaries to win votes,” he said.
He added that the government has directed administrators to pull back to their respective areas of jurisdiction, but expansionist tendencies by some communities, delay in the adjudication of the boundaries, and discovery of natural resources in some areas have also fueled the tension.
Some disputes, Matiang'i said, are historical and attempts by previous administrations to resolve them have been futile.
“Some disputes are historical and attempts by previous administrators, have not been successful,” he said.
The report highlighted several counties embroiled in boundary disputes, including Kisumu-Siaya-Vihiga, Turkana-Marsabit-Samburu, Machakos-Makueni, and Kajiado-Makueni, among others.
These disputes have led to physical fights, loss of lives, destruction of property, and cattle theft.
Published on November 19, 2021.
