Influence of Women’s Conflict Resolution Mechanisms on Conflict Resolution in Keiyo North Sub-County, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya

This study aimed to examine the existing conflict resolution mechanisms employed by women in Keiyo North Sub-County, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya. The investigation was guided by Social Exclusion Theory and Conflict Transformation Theory. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach using a convergent parallel research design. The target population comprised 49,634 persons aged 18 years and above. The sample size was obtained using the Yamane formula, resulting in 398 respondents for quantitative data, while 14 key informants were selected for qualitative interviews. Structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis were used for data collection. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. Of the 398 questionnaires administered, 292 were successfully returned, representing a response rate of 73%. The findings demonstrated that women employ several conflict resolution mechanisms in Keiyo North Sub-County, including community mobilization, advocacy and lobbying, gender sensitization, and traditional mediation. Traditional mediation recorded the highest level of agreement, with 46% of respondents strongly agreeing and 35% agreeing that women use traditional mediation practices to resolve disputes. Community mobilization was also widely recognized, with 23% strongly agreeing and 52% agreeing that women mobilize communities effectively to prevent conflicts. Advocacy and lobbying for equitable resource distribution recorded 18% strong agreement and 45% agreement, while gender sensitization recorded 8% strong agreement and 30% agreement. The findings further established a strong positive relationship between strategies employed by women and conflict resolution outcomes (r = 0.762, p < 0.01). The findings were supported by qualitative evidence showing that women use dialogue, mediation, and community meetings to prevent conflicts before they become serious. The study concludes that women employ both traditional and community-based mechanisms in conflict resolution and recommends strengthening women-led mediation, community mobilization, advocacy, and peace education initiatives in Keiyo North Sub-County.

Keywords: Women, Conflict Resolution, Conflict Resolution Mechanisms, Traditional Mediation, Community Mobilization, Advocacy, Keiyo North Sub-County

Women, Conflict Resolution, Conflict Resolution Mechanisms, Traditional Mediation, Community Mobilization, Advocacy, Keiyo North Sub-County

1. AFSC. (2023). Inclusion of women in peacebuilding processes: Negotiation and mediation – Women’s peace and security agenda. American Friends Service Committee. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Ambler, L. (2018). Gender, UN peacebuilding, and the politics of space: Locating legitimacy. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Anwar, H. W., Mehmood, H., Shah, K., Webster, J., & Anderson, R. (2018). Knowledge, access, and decision-making: Women’s financial inclusion in Pakistan. In Proceedings of the 1st ACM SIGCAS Conference on Computing and Sustainable Societies (pp. 1–12). Association for Computing Machinery. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Becker, M., & Carter, E. (2020). Women’s involvement in reconciliation through community-based justice systems and social healing initiatives. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Becker, M., & Carter, E. (2023). The role of women in African peace processes. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Broski, J., & Dunn, W. (2018). Fostering insights: A strengths-based theory of parental transformation. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 27. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Daly, M., & Silver, H. (2008). Social exclusion and social capital: A comparison and critique. Theory and Society, 37(6), 537–566. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Fischer, M. (2011). Civil society in conflict transformation: Strengths and limitations of grassroots peacebuilding. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Galtung, J. (2004). Transcend and transform: An introduction to conflict work. Pluto Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Johnson, B., Jones, P. A., & Reitano, V. (2021). Stakeholder networks and inclusive public participation mechanisms in the public budgeting process. Urban Governance, 1(2), 98–106. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Kilonzo, J., & Onkware, E. (2020). Women’s participation in grassroots peacebuilding and community mediation in Kenya. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Kong’ani, R. (2024). Women’s multi-faceted roles in peacebuilding initiatives: Insights from pastoral communities in West Pokot County, Kenya. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Lederach, J. P. (2003). The little book of conflict transformation. Good Books. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Lenoir, R. (1974). Les exclus: Un Français sur dix. Seuil. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Lowe, Deng, & Simpson. (2026). Women’s participation in conflict resolution and peacebuilding in South Sudan. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Muddiman, D. (2000). Theories of social exclusion and the role of public institutions. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Mugenda, O. M., & Mugenda, A. G. (2003). Research methods: Quantitative and qualitative approaches. Acts Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Muloshi, L., & Hamasi, L. (2022). Women, patriarchy and conflict resolutions in Turkana County, Kenya. Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies, 6(6), 18–33. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Mueller-Hirth, N. (2019). Women’s participation in peacebuilding and community reconciliation in Kenya. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. Mwangi, M. (2015). Women’s participation in grassroots mediation, early warning and reconciliation in Tana River County. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. Muthama, J., et al. (2021). Women’s participation in Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms in Kapsokwony Sub-County, Bungoma County. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

22. Okello, P., Rebeccah, A., & Obara, C. (2023). Women participation in peace-building on community projects’ implementation in conflict-prone areas: A case of Sondu border town, Kenya. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 19(1), 101–109. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

23. Paffenholz, T., Ross, N., Dixon, S., Schluchter, A., & True, J. (2016). Making women count—not just counting women: Assessing women’s inclusion and influence on peace negotiations. Inclusive Peace and Transition Initiative. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

24. Peruzzi, A. (2014). Understanding social exclusion from a longitudinal perspective: A capability-based approach. Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, 15(4), 335–354. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

25. Saloojee, A., & Saloojee, N. (2011). From social exclusion to social inclusion: Theory and practices over two continents. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

26. Shepherd, L. J. (2017). Gender, UN peacebuilding, and the politics of space: Locating legitimacy. Oxford University Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

27. Silver, H. (2007). The process of social exclusion: The dynamics of an evolving concept. Canadian Policy Research Networks. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

28. Súilleabháin, A. Ó., & Paffenholz, T. (2015). Reimagining peace-making: Women’s roles in peace processes. International Peace Institute. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

29. Touraine, A. (1991). Critique of modernity. Blackwell. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

30. Tripp, et al. (2025). Women’s mechanisms for conflict resolution in conflict-affected areas of northeast Nigeria. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

31. Van Regenmortel, S., De Donder, L., Dury, S., Smetcoren, A.-S., De Witte, N., & Verté, D. (2016). Social exclusion in later life: A systematic review of the literature. Journal of Population Ageing, 9(4), 315–344. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

32. Wanyama, & Ombaka. (2022). Women’s participation in county peace systems. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]