From Communal to Private: Dynamics of a Changing Land Tenure System in Chepareria, West Pokot County, Kenya

Abstract

In the context of the ongoing land use change in pastoral areas in East Africa, new developments and dynamics imply various shifts in pastoralist livelihoods and land management. Previous research has engaged in a polarised debate of private versus communal tenure. Based on a political ecology perspective, this study uncovers dynamics within the shift from communal to private land by analysing a changing land tenure system and its perceived impacts on pastoralism and livelihoods. It focuses on Chepareria Division in West Pokot County, Kenya, that has witnessed a process of land privatisation of communal land for the last 30 years. It will give an insight into structures of agency, access, property, power and authority within a politicised environment and how land tenure affects dynamics in society and the other way round. This enables a discussion about social and environmental issues which arise and inform potential long-term developments relevant for further research in the field.