"It was a wonderful experience interacting with you and appreciate the way you have planned and executed the whole publication process within the agreed timelines.”
Subrat SaurabhAuthor of Kuch Woh Pal
PERSISTENT CONFLICT BETWEEN THE POKOT AND THE TURKANA. Why does the deadly conflict between the Pokot and Turkana communities in Kenya’s North Rift region continue to rage — despite years of state intervention and the peace efforts of the Catholic Church?
This powerful and eye-opening study uncovers the deep-rooted causes behind one of Kenya’s most enduring conflicts. Drawing on both hard data and human stories, it goes beyond surface explanations to reveal a complex web of historical grievances, fierce competition over scarce resources, political neglect, and chronic insecurity.
Through a robust cross-sectional survey of 381 participants, this book rigorously tests three core hypotheses: the root causes of the conflict, the effectiveness of state-led conflict management, and the role of the Catholic Church as a peacebuilding force. The findings are compelling—while state efforts fall short, the Church’s involvement yields mixed but promising results.
Set against a backdrop of structural violence and socio-political tension, this study challenges conventional narratives and raises urgent questions for Kenya’s future. It offers not just analysis, but a bold call to action: to rethink peacebuilding strategies, strengthen local agency, and create pathways to lasting coexistence.
Essential reading for peacebuilders, policymakers, researchers, and anyone passionate about justice, conflict resolution, and the resilience of communities in crisis.
Jojo Dsouza
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PATRICK R. DEVINE
Rev. Dr. Patrick Devine, SMA, is an Irish-born missionary priest and renowned peacebuilder with over 35 years of experience addressing conflict and underdevelopment across Eastern Africa. Ordained in 1988 with the Society of African Missions, Fr. Devine has dedicated his life to fostering peace in some of the continent’s most volatile regions.
In 2009, he founded the Shalom Center for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation (Shalom-SCCRR), a non-sectarian, inter-religious organization headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. Under his leadership, Shalom-SCCRR has implemented peacebuilding initiatives in over 30 conflict-affected areas across Eastern Africa, including Kenya, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Fr. Devine holds a Ph.D. in Political Science and Public Administration from the University of Nairobi, where his doctoral research focused on the persistent conflict between the Pokot and Turkana communities in Kenya’s North Rift region . His study, grounded in structural violence theory, critically examined the roles of the state and the Catholic Church in conflict management, highlighting the complexities and challenges in achieving lasting peace.
Beyond his academic pursuits, Fr. Devine is an influential voice in global peacebuilding circles. He has delivered lectures at esteemed institutions such as Harvard University, Queen’s University Belfast, and Maynooth University, where he serves as an Honorary Senior Research Fellow. His contributions have been recognized internationally, including the International Caring Award presented by Colin Powell in Washington, D.C.
Fr. Devine’s commitment to peace extends to his role on the governing council of Tangaza University College in Nairobi, reflecting his dedication to education and ethical leadership. Through Shalom-SCCRR, he continues to empower local communities, training thousands in conflict transformation and advocating for sustainable development as a pathway to enduring peace.
His life's work embodies a holistic approach to peacebuilding, intertwining rigorous academic research with grassroots engagement to address the root causes of conflict and promote reconciliation across diverse communities.
