Challenges Facing the Management of Cooperative Land Conflicts in Kiambu County, Kenya

Abstract

The issues of land conflict have been common in Kenya and aroun the world, in this premise cooperative societies have been formed  to help in dealing with issues realiting to these conflict. This study sought to discuss the challenges that were facing the management of cooperative land conflicts in Kiambu county. The study was underpinned by the Human Needs Theory. This study adopted a descriptive research design. The study was conducted in Kiambu County which has 12 sub-counties in which the study was conducted. The study employed both probability and non-probability sampling techniques. The study had a sample population of 384. Data was collected using questionnaires, key informant interviews and Focus Group Discussions. The study found that subverting of strategies through intimidation and kidnapping, bribery of officials and witnesses, disappearance of land documents, power conflict and the influence of politics were some of the challenges faced by cooperatives that led conflicts, facilitated by Professional vanity and lack of participation by people. The study established that there existed a possibility of these challenges being eliminated through cooperation. The study concluded that there were challenges in the implementation of strategies meant to manage conflicts