The Impact of the 2007/2008 Post Election Violence on Women in Kakamega County, Kenya

In most African societies women still occupy inferior positions both in the family and society as there is discrimination against them in terms of participation in decision making. This situation becomes worse in times of conflict where women become vulnerable and suffer most in terms of sexual violence, displacement widowhood among others. The 2007/2008 post-election violence (PEV) marked one of the darkest period in Kenya’s history characterized by widespread killings and destruction of property in many parts of the country including Kakamega County. The overall objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the 2007/2008 PEV on women in Kakamega County, Kenya. The conceptual framework of the study was drawn from Liberal Feminism and Conflict theories as well as the United Nations Agenda for Peace. The study adopted descriptive survey and explorative research designs. Questionnaires, interviews, and observation methods were used to collect primary data while secondary data was obtained through analysis of documents and reports from relevant offices, library and internet. The main respondents were 384 household heads, while key informants were 38 head teachers of primary schools, 33 Community Based Organizations (CBO) heads and 9 Assistant Commissioners. Both probability and non-probability sampling techniques were used. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics thus frequencies, averages, variability and percentages were calculated. The results obtained were presented using tables, graphs, pie charts, maps, figures chi-square and thematic narrative technique. The study reaffirmed that there was negative impact of PEV on women which included gender violence, displacement of families, widowhood and trauma. Apart from contributing to existing knowledge on the role of women in conflict management, this research would be of benefit to policy makers, security managers, academicians, communities in Kakamega County, and Kenya at large. The study recommended enhancing capacities by dealing with root causes of conflicts, strengthening security personnel and promotion of national cohesion.