Poverty Blamed for Violence

from All Africa

The Nation (Nairobi)
NEWS

By Patrick Nzioka
Nairobi

Poverty is the major cause of rising violence in the country, a World Bank report says.

The study notes that the economic growth experienced in the past five years had not translated to better lives for many people, leading to hopelessness and resentment. The findings are contained in a draft report that will be debated at the Grand Regency Hotel.

A World Bank consultant, Ms Mary Amuyunzu-Nyamongo, presented the report that aims to expose failure of institutions and violence in rural Kenya.

According to the draft report, the orgy of violence is exhibited in rape at schools, under-age prostitution, political thuggery and land clashes. It is prevalent at the household level through suicide.

An estimated 10 per cent of young women in Kenya have attempted suicide, says the study.

Violence, according to the report, is becoming arbitrary, extreme and in most cases directed at women.

Parents and children

It is also taking other dimensions due to increasing tension between parents and their children over land, schools fees, household expenses as well as lifestyles which often result in killings.

Violence has further led to the emergence of vigilante groups and numerous lynchings as people look for ways to cope. The Judiciary was accused of complicity in the violence.

Research on the report was done between 2005 and 2006 in six provinces. Six districts were chosen from each of the regions and three representative areas used. The study sought to establish conditions driving socio-economic change in rural Kenya as well as how households and communities have responded to change.

Despite economic growth in the past five years, the country's resource base has shrunk as indicated by poor land distribution, fragmentation, degradation and depletion of forest and water resources.

Better dialogue

Aids, the report adds, has led to high dependency rates. As a result, one in every nine children is orphaned which translates to about 650,000. "Stigma, fear, suspicion and inadequate access to care and support at the individual, household and community level is now taking its toll on the people," the report says.

It recommends intensified war against corruption, greater access to justice and better dialogue between the public and police to stem violence.