Ripples of Conflict: Drivers and Resolutions of Water Resources Disputes -A Case Study of Lake Turkana Basin of Kenya

Ngonge, David Njagi; Muigua, Kariuki; Nyukuri, Elvin

Abstract

Historically, the semi-arid and dry regions of the Kenyan borders have experienced perennial conflicts that revolve around the scarce water-related resources both on land and in water but spread around Lake Turkana, the largest desert lake in Africa. Lake Turkana, located in the Turkana Basin of Kenya, is a critical resource for the region. Covering an area of approximately 6,405 square kilometres, it is the largest permanent desert lake in the world. Besides, with its unique ecological and socio-economic implications, Lake Turkana has become a central point for studying the dynamics of conflicts resulting from water-related resource scarcity. The study sought to identify specific drivers of water use related resource conflicts in Lake Turkana basin of Kenya. Through a descriptive study design, the research applied a convenience sampling method targeting 90 respondents across all three sites, seeking about 30 participants per region. The study findings demonstrate that drivers of conflicts within the Lake Turkana Basin are not just locally domesticated, but also have external factors and influences including dynamics associated with inflammatory political speeches, economic, as well as environmental factors resulting in harsh climate. This is in addition to water management issues, high illiteracy and cultural pressures, ethnic tensions, historical grievances, scarce critical resources which are only concentrated in few locations, and geopolitical interests of neighbouring countries which contribute to conflicts in the region. The management of these conflicts therefore are best solved if these drivers of conflict are carefully understood as was the case for this study.

Citation

Ngonge, D. N., Muigua, K., & Nyukuri, E. (in press). Ripples of Conflict: Drivers and Resolutions of Water Resources Disputes -A Case Study of Lake Turkana Basin of Kenya. Law, environment and development journal, 21(1), 001-015. https://doi.org/10.25501/SOAS.00505190

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 1, 2025
• Deposit Date: Jun 10, 2025
• Journal: Law, environment and development journal
• Electronic ISSN: 1746-5893
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 21
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 001-015
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.25501/SOAS.00505190