Exploring Peace Infrastructures at Public Universities in Kenya: A Case Study of Higher Education Programs, Policies, and Practices in a Conflict Setting

• In Event: Poster Session 1
  In Poster Session: Exploring Peace Infrastructures at Public Universities in Kenya: A Case Study of Higher Education Programs, Policies, and Practices in a Conflict Setting

Abstract

Very little is know about how universities respond to conflict nor how these responses become institutionalized in light of continued instability. In 2007, violence erupted in Kenya due to a highly contentious presidential election, leaving 1,600 dead and 300,000 displaced. The risk for violence continues as Kenya ranks 22nd on a list of countries vulnerable to instability and conflict. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the productive processes that enable universities to build peace in conflict conditions. The research focused on a public institution in Western Kenya that was deeply affected by the 2007-2008 election violence. Moreover, we sought to understand the development and employment of these processes as result of potential instability during the 2013 election.

Authors

• Ane Turner Johnson, Rowan University

• Eunice Kamaara, Moi University