VOlUME 05 ISSUE 05 May 2026
1Kutwa Kennedy Otiato, 2Benard Kilaka Musembi, 3Murumba Wangamati
1,2,3Maseno University
DOI : https://doi.org/10.58806/ijsshmr.2026.v5i5n40Google Scholar Download Pdf
ABSTRACT
This paper explores the efficacy of Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) mechanisms in recurring conflicts along intra-state borders via the case of the Sondu border between the Kenyan counties of Kisumu and Kericho. From a theoretical perspective based on the conflict triangle of Johan Galtung, the paper argues that formal early warning and response measures have remained constrained as they are preoccupied only with violent forms of conflict, and do not engage with the structural and cultural processes of reproduction of conflict sufficiently. Adopting an instrumental mixed methods approach, using qualitative research techniques predominantly, data were gathered via Key Informant Interviews, Focus Group Discussions, questionnaires, verbal histories, and documentary analysis from members of the community, administrators, conflict resolution practitioners, and civil society groups. The main result of the research is that there is a huge discrepancy: while communities are aware of the role of the actors in their local informal conflict resolution efforts including chiefs, elders, churches, and civil society organizations, they have little knowledge of the institutional early warning framework known as CEWARN. In addition, rumour-mongering, political mobilization, distrust, and past grievances may often serve as indicators of upcoming violence in advance of formal warning procedures.
KEYWORDS:Early Warning Systems; Hybrid Peace Infrastructures; Peacebuilding; Conflict Prevention; Kenya; Sondu Border; Community Perceptions; Legitimacy
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Cite this Article:Otiato, K. K., Musembi, B. K., & Wangamati, M. (2026). Invisible Peace Architectures: Rethinking Early Warning Systems through Galtung’s Conflict Triangle in Kenya’s Sondu Border Conflict. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE HUMANITY & MANAGEMENT RESEARCHS, 5(5), 1280-1291. https://doi.org/10.58806/ijsshmr.2026.v5i5n40