Abstract:
The study sought to contribute to the understanding of the factors that have led to the
success of women participation in peacebuilding, with specific reference to women in
Northern Kenya. The researcher selected the case of the Wajir Peace and Development
Agency with the aim of understanding the approaches employed by Wajir Peace and
Development Agency in peace building, contributions of Wajir Peace and Development
Agency in Wajir county peacebuilding and Kenya and the challenges to women
participation in peacebuilding process using Wajir Peace and Development Agency as a
case study. The target population of the study was the member organisations of the Wajir
Peace and Development Agency based in Wajir County. The study used questionnaires
as the main tool to gather primary data. Data was collected through key informant
interviews so as to confirm the findings of the study. The study used both probability and
non-probability methods to sample thirty-five respondents to the questionnaires. A pilot
study was undertaken utilizing an arbitrary sample of 10 members from Wajir County to
guarantee consistency of the poll. The findings indicate that WPDA was largely
successful in most of its endeavours to bring peace. However, women still face obstacles
as a result of the political system. Initially, the violence experienced in elections
prevented women from vying for elective positions. In Wajir negotiated democracy has
been adopted to counter violence in the political process. However, the elders involved
in the negotiation deliberately leave out women due to cultural beliefs. The discussion
shows that despite the gains made through WPDA, a lot of potential in peacebuilding is
unrealized due to exclusion of women in leadership. There is need to support women
initiatives towards peace by making them part of the mainstream political system.
