Title: THE ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION MECHANISMS IN ADDRESSING PROLIFERATION OF ILLICIT SMALL ARMS AND LIGHT WEAPONS IN KENYA: A CASE STUDY OF WEST POKOT COUNTY
Author: Josphat, N. Nthiga & Dr. Martin Ouma
Abstract Proliferation of illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs) is a major security threat to global security. It is estimated that there are about one billion firearms in the world, of which only 15% are held by military and law enforcement organs while the rest are in civilian hands. The high number of firearms in civilian hands contributes to global insecurity in diverse forms. The adoption of Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions under Sustainable Development Goal 16 envisioned to significantly reduce illicit arms flows and combat all forms of organized crime by the year 2030 was based on this background. In Eastern Africa, proliferation of SALWs is attributed to civil wars in states in the Horn of Africa region. This has enabled cross-border trafficking of SALWs through the porous borders leading to proliferation of such illicit weapons in Kenya. The Northern region of Kenya is the most affected, and has experienced perennial insecurity occasioned by inter-ethnic conflicts and cattle rustling amongst the pastoralist communities. The Government has made various efforts in addressing illicit SALWs proliferation including law enforcement approaches, and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). This study therefore aimed at determining the effect of ADR in addressing proliferation of illicit SALWs in West Pokot County. The methodology applied was a desktop review of secondary data. Rational Choice theory and Social Identity Theory formed the conceptual framework. The study established that different ADR approaches were applied by peace and security actors and had different effects towards reducing proliferation of illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons. These approaches despite various limitations significantly contributed to reduction in proliferation of illicit SALWs in West Pokot County. It was recommended that the Government of Kenya should tap on the ADR to sustainably address this security threat.
•ISSN: 2213-1356
•Publisher: Scholar Touch Publishers
•Area/Scope: Business, Economics & Management; Social Science, Literature, Arts & Humanities; Engineering & Technology; Life Science & Physical Science, Health & Medical Science
•Frequency: Monthly
•Format: Online & Print
•Language: English
•Review Process: Double Blinded
•Access: Open Access