The Effects of Conflicts Resulting From Artisanal Gold Mining to the Socio-Economic Lives of the People in Ikolomani Sub-County, Kakamega County, Kenya

Lilian Machariah, Robert Aengwony and Samson Busalire
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Lilian Machariah: Department of Peace and Conflict Studies, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, P.O BOX, 190-50100 Kakamega, KENYA
Robert Aengwony: Department of Peace and Conflict Studies, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, P.O BOX, 190-50100 Kakamega, KENYA
Samson Busalire: Department of Peace and Conflict Studies, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, P.O BOX, 190-50100 Kakamega, KENYA

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2020, vol. 4, issue 6, 176-182

Abstract: Gold mining is a significant sector in the world economy and in at least 34 African Countries. Ikolomani gold mines are found in Kakamega County. Many countries worldwide have had conflicts resulting from artisanal gold mining. Most artisanal gold miners are from socially and economically marginalized communities and turn to mining in order to escape extreme poverty, unemployment and landlessness. Sometimes the gold is present, but in low and unexpected quantities especially considering the depth of the mines. The low quantity of gold is used for sustaining their lives. As a result of this, there are many conflicts from artisanal gold mining. The objective of this study was to examine effects of the conflicts resulting from artisanal gold mining to the socio-economic lives of the people in Ikolomani-Sub County, Kakamega County, Kenya. This study adopted the theory of cumulative and cyclical interdependence as its framework. The theory looks at individuals and their community as caught in a spiral web of opportunity and problems, hence, individuals and community resources are mutually dependent. The study employed descriptive and evaluation research designs. The study established that gold mining affected the socio-economic lives of the people more negatively than positively. The conflicts cause poor financial management (14%), poor health conditions (16%), school dropout (18%), physical and emotional injuries (27%), and environmental degradation (21%). The study recommends that policies should be implemented by the government in the exploring sector in Ikolomani Sub-County which will improve the working relationship among different stakeholders in the gold fields. There is need to improve on the economic amenities in Ikolomani by the government and investor by forging economic partnerships.

Date: 2020
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