Traditional Leaders and the Quest for Sustainable Peace in Kenya

Abstract

This chapter examines African traditional leaders’ role in realizing Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16. Using various case studies and reports on community elders from various communities in Kenya, the study findings reveal that traditional elders can influence the community to achieve sustainable peace, a critical factor for development. As key actors in the community, they have traditional resources, including a social governance system and traditional law that improves the legitimacy and ownership of local initiatives geared toward achieving SGD 16. Their participation and practical approach to promoting social relations and resource access using traditional mechanisms ensures ownership and legitimacy. As custodians of traditional laws, they influence community attitudes, behavior, and perception that can create an enabling environment to build sustainable peace.