Kawuondi, Gabriel Linus (2025) Contested Ownership: Examining Property Rights Governance and Conflict in Artisanal Small-Scale Mining Communities in Nyatike Sub-County, Migori, Kenya. Masters thesis, Hekima University College.
![[img]](http://thesisbank.jhia.ac.ke/style/images/fileicons/text.png) |
Text (Contested Ownership: Examining Property Rights Governance and Conflict in Artisanal Small-Scale Mining Communities in Nyatike Sub-County, Migori, Kenya.)
Kawuondi G Linus.pdf - Accepted Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (2MB) | Request a copy |
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine how contested ownership and governance of property rights contribute to conflicts in Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) communities in Nyatike sub-county in Migori, Kenya. To achieve this, this study explored the legal ambiguities that fuel tensions and assess the extent to which governance systems, both formal and informal, can mitigate disputes. Guided by property rights theory and resource conflict theory, the study was structured around four key objectives. The first objective sought to identify the types of property rights that exist within ASM communities, the second sought to investigate the main governance issues contributing to disputes over ownership and access, the third sought to assess the socio-economic and communal impacts of contested property rights, and the fourth investigated the policy and regulatory frameworks that can promote conflict resolution and strengthen ASM governance. Adopting an exploratory research design, the study utilized both qualitative and quantitative methods to collect and analyse data. The researcher used purposive, convenient and snowballing sampling techniques to reach out to 125 respondents. The data collected was coded and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 23 and Microsoft excel. The findings are presented in the form of tables, charts and graphs, verbatim and discussions that are supported with literature. The research findings revealed that contested property rights in Nyatike Sub-County are driven by weak governance, corruption, and overlapping institutional roles, which perpetuate mistrust, conflict, and fragile livelihoods in the ASM sector. To address property rights governance and conflict in Nyatike Sub-County, the study suggests locally grounded, inclusive, and accountable policy frameworks that balance formal regulations with community-driven governance systems to foster stability, equity, and sustainable resource management.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races J Political Science > JS Local government Municipal government J Political Science > JZ International relations Q Science > QE Geology T Technology > TN Mining engineering. Metallurgy |
| Divisions: | Africana |
| Depositing User: | Unnamed user with email ict.admin@jhia.ac.ke |
| Date Deposited: | 21 Nov 2025 12:27 |
| Last Modified: | 21 Nov 2025 12:38 |
| URI: | http://thesisbank.jhia.ac.ke/id/eprint/10019 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |