Persistent Barriers to Disarmament in Kerio Valley

Executive Summary

Successive disarmament efforts in Kerio Valley have failed to bring lasting peace in the region as illicit weapons proliferation escalates. On 13th February 2023, the government issued a three-day amnesty for civilians to surrender illegally held weapons, which was followed by forceful disarmament. This is in response to a recent spike in banditry attacks which have
resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of populations. However, without addressing issues such as politicization of disarmament, East Africa’s black market for Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW),
cross-border governance, and holistic development shortfalls, current security efforts remain ineffective. The brief recommends, increasing political support to ongoing disarmament campaigns; enhancing the implementation of the Nairobi Protocol; heightening information sharing and coordination of cross-border initiatives; and engaging in inclusive human development interventions.