This archive report was first published on 24 December 2021.
Located at the border of Turkana and West Pokot counties, Kainuk town has been a hotspot for conflict between the two communities for years. However, in the past year, the town has experienced a significant shift, with residents and visitors enjoying a conducive business environment.
According to Sarah Chebet, manager of Safari Plaza Hotel in Kainuk, the return of peace has positively impacted business. 'We are getting more customers, especially travellers, as opposed to those days when there was no peace between the Pokot and Turkana communities,' she said.
The ongoing construction of the Kitale-Lodwar highway has also contributed to the town's growth, with investors upgrading hospitality facilities to cater to entrepreneurs, government officials, and visitors.
Ekirimet Longor, a village elder, welcomed the peaceful coexistence, stating that residents and visitors are now grazing their animals together and sharing resources without conflict. 'The guns have gone silent, and given way to harmonious coexistence between the two communities,' he explained.
Deputy County Commissioner Turkana South sub-county Silvano Mbiuki noted that the two communities have been sharing resources and trading for the last year. 'If someone loses an animal, the two communities become responsible for looking for that animal, and that has strengthened their relationship,' he said.
The community is planning to hold a peace meeting before the end of the year to encourage integration and resettlement.
