Youth Violence and Engagement in Conflict Management

This study is an assessment of factors influencing youth involvement in politicallymotivated violence as well as their engagement in conflict management process in Nakuru County. Kaptembwo Estate was purposively selected for the study as it was one of the epicenters of post election violence in Kenya in the year 2007-2008. An exploratory and descriptive reseach design was adopted, employing cross sectional survey with use of questionnaires and key informant guides to obtain in-depth information about the community. A systematic purposive non probability sampling, snowball technique and ethnography techniques were employed to identify key stratified interest informants for example, youth leaders and youth groups, Goverment official, elders and religious leaders. Research findings revealed that youth participated in politically motivated violence due to their low socio-economic status in the society as well as along political and ethnic divides. The study recommends that the youth should be involved in activities that enhance peaceful existence and cohesiveness among Kenyans for sustainable peace and socio-economic development.