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What happened, where and when?
The enduring conflict in the North Rift and South Rift regions, which has persisted for decades, has recently seen continuous attacks, particularly in Baringo, and spreading. The situation, characterized by intermittent periods of insecurity, has taken a turn for the worse since October 2023. The conflict, historically localized to the wards of Saimo Soi and Bartabwa in Baringo North, advanced to three more sub-counties—Baringo South, Tiaty East, and Tiaty West—impacting an additional five wards: Mukutani, Mochongoi, Kolowa, Silale, and Ribkwo.
The escalation is primarily attributed to conflicts among pastoral communities, also in the neighboring counties of Turkana, West Pokot, ELgeyo Marakwet, and Samburu counties which have been exacerbated by resource scarcity as a result of experienced drought. Issues related to boundary delineation and cattle rustling have also contributed to the unrest. By April, it was the total affected population in all the counties who have lost their lives and livelihoods is 172,270 people in all these counties.
The cumulative number of displaced households is 4,454, which has increased from 2,951, recorded in March 2024. The number of fatalities has also increased to 48 and the number of injuries is at 36. A County Steering Group meeting was held on 18th July 2024, a forum chaired by the governor of Baringo and Co-chaired by the county commissioner. Further support was requested by KRCS in addition to other partners to scale up their interventions with KRCS designated the lead agency during this emergency due to its coverage access in volatile areas. The crisis has also led to significant economic losses, with approximately 7,650 livestock perished and around 1,100 acres of farmland lying fallow. The most affected counties are Baringo, Samburu, and Elgeyo Marakwet whereas the counties of Turkana and West Pokot have effects around fatalities and livestock disappearing but have integrated with the host families. Escalating disputes over water, pasture, suspected boundary issues, and cattle rustling have led to significant displacement.
This has caused widespread fear and panic leading to population movement, livelihood loss, several schools closed, disruption of markets/trading centers, closure of services, school interruption, and key access roads affected. From the onset, KRCS has been supporting the communities from the local Branch with the lead role in humanitarian work interventions.
The economic fabric of the region has been disrupted, with 17 shopping centers and local markets, including Loruk and Nginyang’, being disrupted. In light of this humanitarian emergency, the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS), in collaboration with national and county governments, is spearheading a response intervention. The focus is on delivering critical aid, which includes food, sanitation, and shelter, to those affected. These efforts are part of a comprehensive strategy to not only meet immediate needs but also to address the underlying drivers of the conflict. The KRCS is actively involved in resource mobilization and is forging partnerships with key stakeholders to manage and mitigate the effects of this crisis effectively.