Crisis in Kenya: land, displacement and the search for ‘durable solutions’
| Overseas Development Institute | 2008
Current post-election displacement in
Kenya is not a new phenomenon but a
recurring trend linked to unresolved land
grievances, in a context of poor
governance and socio-economic
insecurity. This is of concern to
humanitarians as the failure to
understand the dynamics involved and
the implications for recovery can
exacerbate tensions and jeopardise
attempts to resolve the crisis.
Humanitarians need to engage with land
specialists to ensure that their
programming not only avoids
exacerbating tensions, but is also
consistent with efforts to address the
structural causes of conflict.
Return, relocation and local integration processes should not be promoted as durable solutions in the absence of serious attempts to resolve land-related
grievances. If durable solutions are to be
found, programmes must take account of
those who were forced to move in earlier
waves of displacement.
The government’s urgency in
encouraging IDPs to return despite
continued political uncertainty and
insecurity raises clear protection
concerns. This includes both physical
security and wider issues to do with
rights, community reconciliation and
sustainable access to the means of
subsistence.
In the absence of political progress and
stability, urbanisation is likely to
accelerate as displaced people seek
alternative livelihoods.
Sprache | English
Crisis in Kenya: land, displacement and the search for ‘durable solutions’