Limited pasture land and political tensions spark renewed conflicts in Northern Kenya

NAIROBI [ACTED News] – At least 17 people have been killed and 3,500 households internally displaced in the Mandera District, Northern Kenya, according to the Kenya Red Cross. This comes as the result of renewed clashes between rival farming communities, as they vye for limited pasture land. This in turn is having a negative effect on these communities’ capacity to manage the effects of the ongoing dry season, as mobility is a crucial drought coping mechanism.

Furthermore, political disputes resulting from the recent redrawing of administrative boundaries, coupled with the anticipated general elections in March next year, have increased tensions and spurred violence in the area.

ACTED is strongly committed to supporting the peaceful and effective transition to devolved governance under the new Kenyan constitution.