Forest Conflict Amidst National Controversy in Kenya: Lessons of the Mau Forest Complex

Abstract

Conflict of Mau forest Management continue amidst confusion and dismay in Kenya. Politics being at the centre stage; Mau forest complex has lost about 107,000 hectares, or 25 percent of its forest covers through: irregular and unplanned settlements, illegal logging and charcoal burning, change of land use from forest to unsustainable agriculture and change in ownership from public to private. This scenario threatens potentials of energy generation; tourism, agriculture and water supplies into Kenyan cities and industry and therefore deteriorate East Africa's biggest economy. The conflict resolution model in this paper describes participatory role of local institutions in conflict management as key, and argue therefore that enhancing communication and developing a framework of negotiation and dialogue among interested parties engaged in conflict will promote meaningful resolution of the Mau conflict. We suggest that Kenya as government need to engage on modern and skilful conflict resolution process that is not guided by politics but rather engage on forward looking process to resolve Mau conflict once and for all. This can be achieved through a conflict resolution management process which mobilizes local capacity through the use of local approaches such as customary laws, local leadership and negotiation skills.