An Assessment Of The Efficacy Of National Cohesion And Integration Commission (Ncic) In Violence And Conflict Prevention During Electoral Processes In Kenya: A Case Study Of Nairobi County (2012-2022)
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Date
2023-10
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School of Arts and Humanities, Daystar University
Abstract
In Kenya, elections are based on a zero-sum model that predisposes the country to electoral related ethnic conflicts. In response to these conflicts and violent conflicts, Kenya has instituted several measures including the establishment of the NCIC. Despite establishment and operationalization of NCIC, conflicts continue to riddle electoral processes in the country. This study therefore, assessed the efficacy of NCIC investigations on electoral related hate speech and ethnic contempt; evaluated NCIC efforts in sensitizing the public on electoral related hate speech and ethnic contempt; and analyzed the level of public confidence in NCIC in prevention of electoral related conflicts and violence in Kenya. The study is based on the conflict transformation theory and the Rational Choice Theory. Methodologically, the study was based on a case study research design targeting CSOs, citizens in Nairobi County - Mlango Kubwa and Nairobi Central Wards; institutions including NCIC, NSC, the DCI, and KNCHR. Respondents were sampled through purposive and simple random sampling. The researcher gathered data from 200 residents using questionnaires and also interviewed 5 key informants. Descriptive statistics for quantitative data was conducted using SPSS while qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. Data was presented using narratives, tables and diagrams. The findings show that: electoral-related violence is manifested in a myriad of forms such as psychological abuse; viral attacks; and voter intimidation. It also found that curbing hate speech and preventing electoral related violence in Kenya by the NCIC faces internal and external challenges that limit the effectiveness of the NCIC. On sensitization strategies, the study showed NCIC used strategies including media campaigns, sensitization of election stakeholders, public engagement and awareness. Other impactful strategies were introduction of Amani clubs in schools; conducting peace caravans across Counties; influencing themes in National drama and music festivals; and conducting online and social media initiatives focused on responsible online behavior and digital citizenship. On the public’s confidence in the NCIC, there is lack of trust in the NCIC to deliver competent output. Contrary to this, there is a positive but modest belief that the decision-making process and outputs of the NCIC are achieved through values of transparency and accountability. And lastly, there is also a modest agreement that the NCIC is responsive to public demand on issues of hate speech and ethnic contempt in Kenya. To effectively prevent electoral related conflict and violence in Kenya, the study recommends increased budgetary allocation to NCIC to reinforce its activities and programs, improvement of the Commission’s early warning and rapid response capabilities, the representation of youth amongst the Commissioners, the engagement of stakeholders particularly those in the private sector to complement the Commission’s mandate, the use of ‘a whole -of-community approach in the coming up of integration policies and importantly an update of the laws around hate speech while concurrently addressing the issues around freedom of expression.
Description
Masters Thesis
Keywords
Efficacy Of National Cohesion, Efficacy Of National Cohesion, Violence And Conflict Prevention, Electoral Processes In Kenya, Nairobi County
Citation
Lenga, Patience. I., (2023,Thesis).An Assessment Of The Efficacy Of National Cohesion And Integration Commission (Ncic) In Violence And Conflict Prevention During Electoral Processes In Kenya: A Case Study Of Nairobi County (2012-2022). School of Arts and Humanities, Daystar University