Publication

This brief examines the impact Kenya's devolution of governance in 2013 has had on the drivers of conflict in the country's Isiolo County. More specifically, it looks at public perceptions of governance structures, public participation, and fairness in resource allocation in the county and at the potential of these to act as drivers of new conflict. The analysis reveals that although devolution renewed hope in many who now feel increasingly involved in government decision-making processes, deep-seated issues, including widespread marginalization, insecurity, poverty, drought, and famine continue to have a powerful impact as causes of violence. To conclude, the brief makes a number of recommendations to the Isiolo County authorities and non-governmental organizations operating in the region on how to best hinder the drivers of conflict in this part of Kenya.