Laikipia unrest points to Kenya’s land politics
Subject Political and environmental drivers of violence in Laikipia county. Significance Security operations to curb unrest are ongoing in Laikipia county. Invasions of private ranch land by pastoralist herders are not new, but the numbers of livestock and levels of violence have intensified over the past four months. Discord between pastoralists and settled landowners is a long-standing issue in Laikipia, but the recent escalation highlights wider environmental shifts, as well as political tensions around the election and land. Impacts Government exclusion of pastoralism in its economic blueprint plan puts at risk projects that run through northern grazing lands. Despite the travel advisory, the UK government will prioritise cordial relations with Kenya in this sensitive election year. A pay package for members of parliament to cover lost earnings due to the short 2013-17 term reduces the chances of electoral delay.