•A Cultural Shift in Northern Kenya
For decades, morans—young warriors from pastoralist communities in Northern Kenya—were synonymous with banditry, cattle rustling, and violent highway attacks.
Rooted in tradition, these warriors spent much of their time in the bush, isolated from mainstream society, adhering to the deeply ingrained practice of raiding livestock from rival communities.
However, a significant transformation is underway. Today, many of these once-feared warriors are swapping their weapons for commerce, actively engaging in livestock trade across the markets of Samburu, Marsabit, Isiolo, and Laikipia counties.
This shift did not happen overnight. Cultural norms dictated that morans live a secluded life, making any transition to alternative livelihoods a daunting challenge.
However, through persistent community-led interventions, a growing number of these young men are abandoning crime for legal trade, offering hope for long-term peace and stability in the volatile region.
Community Elders Leading the Change
Instrumental in this transformation has been the role of respected elders, particularly Salim Rachachore, the Samburu East peace chair and a former chief.
Rachachore has been at the forefront of advocating for peace, engaging morans in dialogue, and encouraging them to embrace alternative means of livelihood.
His efforts are supported by the Indigenous Movement for Peace Advancement and Conflict Transformation (IMPACT), a community-based organization working to dismantle the cycle of violence in the region.
“Morans are often suspected of involvement in criminal activities,” Rachachore explains. “I have tried to engage with them, encouraging them to shun cattle rustling and attacks on motorists. Peace starts with the young people.”
The IMPACT of Economic Alternatives
Over the past two years, IMPACT and community leaders have successfully convinced at least 62 moran age-group leaders to renounce crime and become peace ambassadors.
These young men are now actively involved in business ventures, particularly livestock trading, a legal alternative to the raids that once defined their existence.
To support their transition, IMPACT has provided financial assistance, distributing grants aimed at kickstarting new businesses.
Each of the four groups of reformed morans received KSh 200,000, allowing them to engage in legitimate trade and secure their livelihoods without resorting to violence.
“We offered them grants to ensure they embrace peace,” Rachachore reveals. “I monitor their progress, and it’s bearing fruit through their commitment.”
A New Path: From Raiders to Entrepreneurs
For many former warriors, the shift from raiding to trading has been life-changing. Pius Lekwles, a former moran from Samburu and an IMPACT grant beneficiary, now runs a thriving goat-selling business.
“IMPACT came in at a time when attacks on motorists and cattle rustling were rampant. We informed them of our challenges, and they addressed them. We are now peace ambassadors in our community,” Lekwles affirms.
Beyond trade, many morans are also learning the art of financial management. Despite having little formal education, they have embraced a savings culture, opening bank accounts to secure their earnings.
Sustainable Peace Through Economic Empowerment
According to John Ting’oi, IMPACT’s Director of Programs, economic empowerment is key to long-term peace in the region.
“Peace is software. We engage with the community to address the root causes of conflict, particularly involving the morans, who are central to these issues,” Ting’oi explains.
“We developed an alternative way of living, moving away from dependence on livestock and cattle rustling.”
So far, IMPACT has provided KSh 800,000 to four moran groups to help them establish livestock businesses and simultaneously serve as peace promoters.
The initiative aims to inspire other young warriors to abandon banditry and embrace economic alternatives.
The Road Ahead
While the transformation of the morans is a promising development, sustaining this progress requires continuous support and mentorship.
Community leaders, government agencies, and civil society organizations must collaborate to ensure these young men do not relapse into their former ways due to economic hardships or peer pressure.
The ongoing shift from warriorhood to entrepreneurship marks a turning point in Northern Kenya’s history.
By replacing crime with commerce, these former warriors are not just transforming their own lives but are also contributing to peace and stability in a region long plagued by insecurity.
If this model of economic empowerment continues to succeed, it could serve as a blueprint for conflict resolution in other parts of Kenya and beyond.
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