Challenges and Opportunities in the Management of Electoral Conflicts in Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to examine the challenges and opportunities in the management of electoral conflicts in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study used a descriptive research design. Questionnaires, interview guides, and FGDs were used to collect primary data whereas secondary data was gathered from journals and reports. Quantitative data was analysed by SPSS version 22 while qualitative data was analysed through coding, verbatim and thematic organization. The study found out that the major challenges to the peacebuilding process include suspicion, lack of trust, ethnicity, corruption within the electoral body, misinterpreting the constitution, and rampant unemployment across the country. From the findings and the expansive literature review, peacebuilding efforts can be boosted by training security forces, conducting voter awareness campaigns, developing citizens trust, conducting civic education, training and planning, and monitoring and watchdog initiatives. The findings and recommendations of this study will benefit scholars in the field of peacebuilding and related fields, policy makers, and other stakeholders in peacebuilding and conflict management.