Missionary publishes major study on tribal conflict in NW Kenya

Irish missionary priest, Dr Patrick Devine, has published a seminal book entitled: 'Persistent Conflict Between the Pokot and Turkana: Causes and Policy Implications.' The book is based on the PhD dissertation he did some years ago at the University of Nairobi.

The book is a timely and deeply insightful look into one of Kenya's longest-running inter-ethnic conflicts. Focusing on the Pokot and Turkana communities in the North Rift, the author masterfully blends academic rigour with the lived experiences of people on the ground, helping readers understand why this violent struggle persists despite repeated interventions.

So, what's really keeping this conflict going? The book digs deep to uncover the true roots of the problem. It shows that the issue isn't just about occasional fighting - it's tied to a long history of mistrust, competition over natural resources like water and grazing land, and a lack of consistent government support and security in the region. The situation is made worse by poverty, poor infrastructure, and political tension.

What makes this study stand out is its balanced use of data and human storytelling. The author doesn't stop at the surface - like blaming cattle raids or tribal tension - but instead unpacks a complex mix of factors including historical injustice, environmental stress, political failure, and broken systems of security. The analysis feels grounded and honest, never sensationalised.

The author is not afraid to ask hard questions. He challenges the effectiveness of government peace initiatives, exposing the gaps in policy and action. Interestingly, the Catholic Church's role is explored in depth. While its efforts show some promise, the book makes it clear that peace cannot be achieved by one institution alone. Real change will require grassroots participation and a rethink of how peacebuilding is done.

The book doesn't just describe the problem - it challenges how people usually think about conflict and peacebuilding. It calls for new and more inclusive strategies that empower local communities and aim for long-lasting peace.

There are major policy implications of the research's findings against the backdrop of the conflict's long history. First, policy initiatives and activities should be considerably proactive rather than predominantly reactive as it is the case today. This is warranted by the fact that the conflict is amenable to prediction by virtue of its being recurring - a cycle of intercommunal violent aggression and counter violent aggression. Consequently, this conflict lends itself to being significantly staved off by proactive conflict management policy practices addressing the underlying causes.

Second, the Catholic Church's peace policy practices, be they direct or indirect, should concentrate on approaches that improve and maximise their own institution's effectiveness regarding quality contribution to conflict management capacity building, and livelihood resilience on the part of the parties in conflict. This policy implication flows from the fact - established by the author's research - that the Church's on-the-ground peacebuilders significantly lack trained knowledge, competence and analytic skills that transformative peacebuilding action requires.

Set against a backdrop of structural violence and socio-political tension, this study challenges conventional narratives and raises urgent questions for Kenya's future. It offers not just analysis, but a bold call to action: to rethink peacebuilding strategies, strengthen local agency, and create pathways to lasting coexistence.

Anyone invested in justice, conflict resolution, or building stronger communities - whether in Kenya or beyond -will find value in this book. It is essential reading for peacebuilders, policymakers, researchers, and anyone passionate about justice, conflict resolution, and the resilience of communities in crisis.

Fr. Devine was well placed to write this book. After years of missionary work in Eastern Africa he saw the need for a more strategic approach to peace-building. So, in 2009, he set up the Shalom Centre for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation which has become recognised internationally, including by the UN and academic institutions

Shalom sets out to tackle the root causes, as distinct from just dealing with the symptoms, of conflict by having a qualified international team of peace practitioners, from within and outside Africa, who have a vocational commitment to conflict transformation. In 2017, their peace-building work which had been experienced on the ground by an Irish Government Minister, Joe McHugh, was lauded by him in the EU Development Council as an approach that should be supported and promoted.

Beyond his academic pursuits, Fr Devine is an influential voice in global peacebuilding circles. He has delivered lectures at esteemed institutions such as Harvard University, Queen's University Belfast, and Maynooth University, where he serves as an Honorary Senior Research Fellow. His contributions have been recognised internationally, including the International Caring Award presented by Colin Powell in Washington, DC.

Fr. Devine's commitment to peace extends to his role on the Governing Council of Tangaza University College in Nairobi, reflecting his dedication to education and ethical leadership. Through Shalom, he continues to empower local communities, training thousands in conflict transformation and advocating for sustainable development as a pathway to enduring peace.

His life's work embodies a holistic approach to peacebuilding, inter-twining rigorous academic research with grassroots engagement to address the root causes of conflict and promote reconciliation across diverse communities.

Persistent Conflict Between the Pokot and Turkana: Causes and Policy Implications can be purchased from all major book stores including Barnes and Nobles www.barnesandnoble.com/w/persistent-conflict-between-the-pokot-and-the-turkana-patrick-r-devine/1147446777, and Discover Books, https://notionpress.com/in/read/persistent-conflict-between-the-pokot-and-the-turkana/ , as well as Waterstones, and the publisher - Notion Press.

(Matt Moran is a writer and author living in Cork. His writing focuses on missionary development, social and religious issues. His latest book is the "Theology of Integral Human Development: the role of faith in international development and public affairs" which is available from mattmoran2021@gmail.com).