Community collaboration in combating banditry in Kenya’s North Rift Region: Stakeholder roles, community policing, and institutional constraints

Abstract

Despite efforts by the state in the form of its security operations and community peacebuilding programmes, banditry continues to pose a security and development threat to the North Rift region in Kenya. This article established the effectiveness of community collaboration in combating banditry, with attention to stakeholder roles, awareness, and perceived effectiveness of community policing initiatives, and institutional barriers to cooperation. The study was based on Institutional Theory and involved a pragmatist, explanatory sequential mixed methods design. This was done in Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet counties. The total survey population was 242,379 livestock-rearing household heads. The sample consisting of 384 household heads was identified using Fisher's formula and allocated proportionately in the eleven sub-counties; 350 questionnaires were useable, and a 91.1% response rate was realised. Key informants were drawn from national administration, law enforcement, prosecution, the courts, probation services, religious organisations, and civil society, while four focus group discussions involved 40 Kenya Police Reservists. Questionnaires, interview schedules, focus group discussion guides, and document review were used. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, Spearman’s rank correlation and chi-square tests, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The findings showed a multi-layered collaboration structure. Youth participation was mainly through peacekeeping tournaments (91.7%), women primarily encouraged youth to resist banditry (88.6%), men led conflict resolution (95.4%), community leaders resolved disputes (89.1%), and civil society organisations promoted accountability (88.6%). Awareness was highest for Nyumba Kumi initiatives (90.6%), compared with National Police Service community policing (45.4%) and Kenya Defence Forces deployment (26.0%). Community policing was rated effective or very effective by 89.7% of respondents. Government intervention effectiveness was positively associated with community policing effectiveness (Spearman’s rho = .262, p < .001). However, qualitative findings revealed a code of silence, pervasive witness intimidation, weak witness protection and judicial delays. The study concludes that community collaboration is highly valued and locally embedded but cannot produce sustainable justice outcomes without professional policing, trusted reporting systems, witness protection and integration between community and formal institutions. It recommends institutionalising Nyumba Kumi, strengthening specialised police training, formalising elder and peace-committee roles, and protecting witnesses.