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Artificial Intelligence, Regulatory Frameworks, And Human
Rights: Rethinking Conflict Resolution in The Digital Era in West
Pokot County, Kenya
Dr.Daniel A.Otwori
1
;
Francis Musyoka,MBA Graduate,PhD
2
; Prof.John Cheluget,PhD
3
School of Management and Leadership Management University of Africa Nairobi, Kenya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51583/IJLTEMAS.2026.1501000105
Received: 18 November 2025; Accepted: 26 November 2025; Published: 19 February 2026
ABSTRACT
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly recognized as a transformative tool in governance, peace building,
and social development, particularly in conflict-prone regions such as West Pokot County, Kenya, where
intercommunal clashes, cattle rustling, and cross-border disputes persist. This study investigates the
integration of AI into conflict resolution while ensuring the protection of human rights under Kenya’s
regulatory frameworks. The objectives were to examine the opportunities and risks associated with AI in
peace building, evaluate the adequacy of existing legal and ethical safeguards, and propose models that
balance technological innovation with community-driven conflict resolution strategies. A mixed-methods
design was employed, engaging 60 purposively selected respondents, including government officials,
community leaders, human rights activists, members of peace committees, and youth representatives. Data
were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and document reviews of policy
frameworks and human rights reports.
To strengthen the robustness of findings, both quantitative statistical analyses (descriptive statistics, cross-
tabulations, Chi-square tests, and factor analysis) and qualitative thematic coding were employed. Results
indicate that AI applications particularly predictive analytics, mobile-based early warning systems, digital
mediation platforms, and resource-mapping tools hold significant potential to enhance conflict anticipation,
coordination, and resolution. However, gaps in regulatory enforcement, algorithmic bias, digital exclusion of
women and elderly populations, and infrastructural limitations constrain effective implementation. The
study highlights a critical knowledge gap between global AI innovations and localized conflict management
practices in marginalized regions.
Sustainable peace in West Pokot requires a hybrid governance model that integrates AI-driven tools with
culturally grounded conflict resolution mechanisms, reinforced by robust human rights protections and
inclusive leadership. Recommendations include strengthening Kenya’s AI-specific legal and ethical
frameworks, investing in community-focused digital literacy, piloting scalable AI interventions, and
establishing safeguards to prevent misuse in fragile contexts. By aligning technological innovation with
community needs and ethical oversight, AI can become a complementary mechanism for building
sustainable peace and resilience in conflict-affected areas.
Keywords: Artificial intelligence; Conflict resolution; Digital peace building; Human rights; Kenya;
Regulatory frameworks; West Pokot
INTRODUCTION
In the 21st century, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a transformative force in global governance,
development, and peacebuilding. It is increasingly used in predictive analytics, crisis management, and digital
diplomacy, enabling early detection of conflicts and humanitarian emergencies (UNESCO, 2021; UN Global
Pulse, 2021). Initiatives such as the United Nations Global Pulse and the European Union’s Ethical AI
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Framework demonstrate AI’s potential in early-warning systems and human rights monitoring. Yet, as
Crawford and Calo (2016) caution, the rapid deployment of unregulated AI risks reinforcing inequalities and
undermining privacy and justice. The global challenge thus lies in balancing technological innovation with
ethical governance, especially in fragile contexts.
Across Africa, AI presents both promise and peril. While AI-driven technologies have enhanced security
intelligence, climate monitoring, and humanitarian logistics (Omar & Abdi, 2022), most interventions remain
urban-centered, excluding marginalized rural communities (Kshetri, 2021). The African Union’s Continental
AI Strategy (2022) emphasizes inclusive and rights-based frameworks, but implementation is uneven due to
limited digital infrastructure and weak data protection laws (Kihara, 2022). This has created a digital divide
that hinders the use of AI in community-based peace building across conflict-prone regions.
In East Africa, recurring conflicts over natural resources, borders, and politics continue to undermine
development (Mkutu, 2019). Although traditional peacebuilding methods—such as elders’ councils and local
mediation—retain legitimacy, they are increasingly challenged by climate change, arms proliferation, and
youth unemployment.
There is growing recognition that data-driven approaches could complement indigenous systems by providing
predictive insights and improving coordination among peace actors.
Kenya, often called the Silicon Savannah, has embraced digital innovation through the Vision 2030 Blueprint
and the Digital Economy Framework (2019). The Taskforce on Blockchain and AI (2019) acknowledged
AI’s potential in governance and security. However, while the Data Protection Act (2019) offers a regulatory
foundation, its enforcement remains weak in rural and conflict-affected counties (Mwangi, 2022).
Consequently, despite Kenya’s technological advancement, AI-driven peace initiatives remain minimal,
especially in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), where conflict and underdevelopment persist.
West Pokot County, located along the Kenya–Uganda border, typifies these challenges. The region has
experienced recurrent cattle rustling, cross-border raids, and intercommunal clashes involving the Pokot,
Turkana, and Karamojong communities (Mkutu, 2019). These conflicts stem from resource competition,
historical marginalization, and weak state presence, leading to poverty, displacement, and insecurity.
Traditional peace building mechanisms elders’ mediation, local peace committees, and religious dialogues
have cultural legitimacy but limited reach in addressing emerging digital-era challenges (Njoroge et al.,
2023).
In this context, AI technologies offer new possibilities: predictive analytics could identify conflict trends,
digital platforms could connect communities across borders, and machine learning could strengthen early-
warning systems. However, weak digital infrastructure, limited literacy, and mistrust of technology present
significant barriers. Without localized ethical frameworks and inclusive participation, AI may unintentionally
exacerbate inequality or digital exclusion.
This study, therefore, focuses on stakeholders in West Pokot County—including elders, women and youth
leaders, peace committees, government officers, and human rights advocates—to explore how AI can be
responsibly integrated into local conflict resolution. By situating the West Pokot experience within global
debates on AI, ethics, and human rights, the study underscores that sustainable peace in the digital era
requires not only innovation but also justice, inclusivity, and community ownership.
Statement of the Propblem
The study established that Artificial Intelligence (AI) had increasingly been recognized as a transformative
tool in global governance, human rights monitoring, and peacebuilding. According to UNESCO (2021), more
than 110 countries had adopted AI strategies in governance, security, or development initiatives. However,
less than 20 percent of these frameworks incorporated ethical or human rights safeguards (European
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Commission, 2021). This omission had raised global concerns regarding algorithmic bias, surveillance, and
exclusion, particularly in fragile and conflict-prone regions where institutional oversight remained weak, as
highlighted by Crawford and Calo (2016).
At the continental level, it was observed that AI adoption in Africa had been expanding but remained uneven
and poorly regulated. The African Union (2022) reported that over 60 percent of African countries lacked
national AI or data protection frameworks, creating significant governance gaps that exposed communities to
data misuse and privacy violations. Kshetri (2021) further noted that most AI systems deployed in Africa
were imported and therefore failed to reflect local contexts, resulting in algorithmic bias and social exclusion.
Regionally, the study noted that the East African region continued to experience recurrent conflicts related to
resource scarcity, cattle rustling, and historical grievances. Data from the Small Arms Survey (2022)
indicated that Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, and Ethiopia accounted for more than 40 percent of intra-
community violent incidents in the Horn of Africa annually. Within Kenya, West Pokot County remained one
of the most affected areas, recording persistent intercommunal clashes and displacement. According to the
Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (2023), more than 18,000 households were displaced between 2018 and
2022 due to banditry and cattle rustling. These conditions perpetuated chronic poverty, insecurity, and
underdevelopment, limiting the potential for technology-based peacebuilding.
Although Kenya had established a strong digital ecosystem through the Vision 2030 Digital Economy
Blueprint and the Taskforce on Blockchain and AI (2019), the study found that the use of AI in governance
and peacebuilding remained minimal and largely unregulated.
The Data Protection Act (2019) provided a legal framework for digital rights, but its enforcement was
hampered by institutional weaknesses, limited awareness, and inadequate capacity at the county level
(Kihara, 2022; Mwangi, 2022). As a result, a misalignment persisted between national digital policies and
localized peacebuilding mechanisms, particularly in marginalized and conflict-prone regions such as West
Pokot.
The study revealed that traditional peacebuilding structures in West Pokot such as elders’ councils, local
peace committees, and cross-border dialogues had cultural legitimacy but were reactive and constrained by
poor connectivity, insecurity, and limited access to information. Emerging AI-driven technologies, including
predictive conflict mapping, social media sentiment analysis, and mobile-based reporting platforms,
presented opportunities to enhance early-warning systems and community coordination (Omar & Abdi,
2022). Nonetheless, the absence of contextualized ethical frameworks and inadequate community
sensitization created risks of digital exclusion, misuse of personal data, and erosion of traditional governance
systems.
Therefore, the study concluded that the main problem was the absence of a context-sensitive and ethically
grounded framework for integrating Artificial Intelligence into community-based peace building in West
Pokot County. While AI held the potential to improve early-warning systems and strengthen human rights
protection, its deployment remained fragmented, under-regulated, and disconnected from grassroots realities.
The findings emphasized the need to align AI innovation with ethical governance, inclusivity, and human
dignity to ensure that technology enhances rather than undermines peace building in marginalized regions.
Objectives of the Study
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This study sought to examine the transformative potential and emerging risks of integrating Artificial
Intelligence (AI) into conflict resolution processes in West Pokot County, within the framework of Kenya’s
regulatory and human rights systems. The specific objectives were to:
1) Assess the nature, dynamics, and underlying causes of conflicts in West Pokot County and evaluate the
effectiveness of existing conflict resolution mechanisms.
2) Explore the potential application of AI tools in early-warning systems, dialogue facilitation, and
sustainable peacebuilding initiatives.
3) Evaluate the adequacy and responsiveness of Kenya’s current regulatory and ethical frameworks in
guiding the responsible use of AI for peace and security.
4) Propose context-specific strategies for integrating AI innovations into conflict management practices that
are firmly grounded in human rights and community participation.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Theoretical Framework
The analysis integrates Conflict Transformation Theory (Lederach, 1997), which emphasizes addressing root
causes of violence through social renewal, and the Human Rights–Based Approach (HRBA) (UNDP, 2006),
which frames peace as inseparable from equality and participation. These theories jointly underline that
technological innovation in conflict settings must enhance not erode human rights and community agency.
Empirical Literature review
AI tools have been used for predictive conflict analytics, satellite-based monitoring, and digital dialogue
facilitation. In Nigeria’s Middle Belt, predictive models analyze land-use and climate data to anticipate
farmer–herder clashes (Adebayo, 2020).
The United Nations’ Global Pulse Initiative uses machine learning for early detection of social unrest (UN
Global Pulse, 2021). Yet scholars caution that AI can reproduce systemic biases, marginalize vulnerable
groups, and erode privacy (Crawford & Calo, 2016; Bietti, 2020).
AI adoption across Africa is shaped by infrastructural disparities and governance challenges (Omar & Abdi,
2022). Kenya leads East Africa in digital innovation, but regulation remains fragmented. The Data Protection
Act (2019) and ICT Policy (2020) provide broad principles but lack specificity on algorithmic accountability
or humanitarian applications. Moreover, community mistrust of surveillance and digital exclusion especially
among women and pastoralists limit participation (Njoroge et al., 2023).
While research explores AI in economics, health, and education (Kshetri, 2021; Mwangi, 2022), little
attention is paid to rural conflict management. This study uniquely contextualizes AI within a human-rights
framework in a conflict-prone, under-connected environment units.
Conceptual Framework
A conceptual framework is a structured representation of the key concepts, variables, and their presumed
relationships that underpin a research study. It is developed from theory and existing literature to provide a
logical foundation for explaining how and why the phenomena under investigation are related (Adom et al.,
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2020). In this study, the conceptual framework was informed by Conflict Transformation Theory (Lederach,
1997) and the Human Rights–Based Approach (UNDP, 2006).
These perspectives emphasize that peacebuilding must integrate justice, inclusivity, and local participation
while addressing structural inequalities that fuel conflict.The framework proposes that Artificial Intelligence
(AI) Adoption, Ethical Governance Frameworks, Community Digital Literacy, and Stakeholder Participation
are the key independent variables that influence Sustainable Peacebuilding Outcomes in West Pokot County.
Independent Variable Dependent Variable
Figure 1: Conceptual Framework
METHODOLOGY
Research Design
A mixed-methods research design was adopted to examine the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in
conflict resolution within West Pokot County, Kenya. Quantitative data from structured questionnaires were
coded and analyzed using SPSS Version 25 to generate frequencies, percentages, and visual charts, while
qualitative data from interviews and focus group discussions were thematically analyzed using NVivo 14.
Statistical tests such as Chi-square, correlation, regression, and cross-tabulations were employed to assess
relationships among key variables, and thematic findings were triangulated with quantitative results to
enhance validity.
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This integrative approach provided both empirical depth and contextual understanding of the ethical,
governance, and human rights dimensions of AI-driven peacebuilding (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2018).
Study Area and Sample Composition
West Pokot County, located in Kenya’s northwestern region along the border with Uganda, was selected as
the study area due to its recurrent insecurity, history of intercommunal violence, and the emergence of
innovative peace building initiatives.
The county represents one of Kenya’s most conflict-affected regions, characterized by cattle rustling,
resource-based disputes, and cross-border raids. It has, however, shown promising developments in
localized peace efforts through county peace committees, reformed warrior associations, and women-led
dialogue forums (Mkutu, 2019; KNCHR, 2023).
To obtain rich qualitative insights, the study employed purposive sampling to select respondents who
possess direct experience or institutional involvement in peace and security initiatives.
A total of 60 participants were recruited across different stakeholder categories to ensure diversity of
perspectives. These included government officials, traditional elders, human rights advocates, youth leaders,
and women peace builders actively engaged in conflict prevention and post-conflict reconciliation.
Table 1: Sample Distribution of Study Participants in West Pokot County (N = 60)
Category of Participants
Number Selected
(n)
Percentage
(%)
Government and security officials
10
16.7
Elders and peace committee members
15
25.0
NGO and human-rights workers
10
16.7
Youth representatives (including reformed
warriors)
15
25.0
Women leaders in peace programs
10
16.7
Total
60
100
Note. Participants were selected through purposive sampling to capture a broad range of community-level
and institutional perspectives on conflict resolution and AI integration in peace building.
Data Collection and Analysis
Data were collected through interviews and FGDs conducted in local languages with informed consent.
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Policy documents and AI frameworks were reviewed. Thematic analysis using NVivo identified four major
categories: (1) AI opportunities, (2) regulatory gaps, (3) ethical risks, and (4) community perceptions.
final affiliation will be centered on the page; all previous will be in two columns.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
Response Rate
A total of 70 questionnaires were distributed across five respondent categories, and 60 were successfully
completed and returned, yielding a response rate of 85.7%.
This rate was considered adequate for qualitative validation and reliable generalization within the study area.
Table 2 below presents the detailed response rate.
Table 2: Response Rate by Category of Respondents
Category of Respondents
Questionnaires
Issued
Questionnaires
Returned
Government officials
(administrators & security
officers)
12
10
Community elders & peace
committee members
18
15
Human rights activists
12
10
Youth representatives
18
15
Women leaders
10
10
Total
70
60
Statistical Note:
The overall response rate of 85.7% exceeds the minimum acceptable threshold of 70% for social science
research (Mugenda & Mugenda, 2003), indicating satisfactory participation and representativeness of the
sampled population.
Demographic Profile of Respondents
The demographic composition of respondents (Table 3) reflects gender and role representation across West
Pokot’s conflict resolution structures. A majority were male (63.3%), consistent with patriarchal community
structures where men dominate administrative and security positions.
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Table 3: Demographic Distribution of Respondents (N = 60)
Category
Male
Female
Total
Percentage (%)
Government officials
7
3
10
16.7
Community elders & peace
committees
13
2
15
25.0
Human rights activists
5
5
10
16.7
Youth representatives
9
6
15
25.0
Women leaders
4
6
10
16.7
Total
38
22
60
100
Conflict Dynamics and Resolution Mechanisms
Table 4.1 shows that resource-based and intercommunal conflicts were most prevalent, accounting for 55% of
all reported incidents. Traditional peace committees and elders’ mediation achieved a moderate effectiveness
score (M = 3.2, SD = 1.0), while administrative interventions scored slightly lower (M = 2.8, SD = 0.9).
Table 4.1: Conflict Types and Effectiveness of Peace Structures (n = 60)
Type of Conflict
Frequency (%)
Mean Effectiveness (1–5)
SD
Resource-based (land, pasture, water)
55%
3.4
1.0
Cattle rustling
25%
3.1
1.2
Political/Ethnic
20%
2.7
0.9
Chi-square test revealed a significant relationship between type of conflict and community participation in
mediation (χ² = 12.43, df = 4, p = .014), indicating that communities engage more in resolving resource-based
conflicts than political or ethnic disputes.
These findings align with Mkutu (2019) and Kaimba et al. (2021), who noted that pastoral conflicts in
Kenya’s arid zones are primarily resource-driven but can be mitigated by participatory, culturally grounded
interventions.
Adoption and Use of AI Tools in Conflict Early Warning
Results indicated low awareness of AI-based tools (M = 2.6, SD = 0.8), with only 35% of respondents
reporting familiarity with mobile-based early warning systems. However, youth groups exhibited higher
adoption rates (r = 0.62, p < .01).
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Table 4.: Correlation between Awareness of AI Tools and Perceived Usefulness (n = 60)
Variables
r
p-value
Interpretation
Awareness of AI tools vs. Perceived usefulness
0.62
.001
Strong positive correlation
This correlation suggests that higher awareness of AI tools significantly increases their perceived usefulness
in conflict monitoring. The findings correspond with Kshetri (2021) and Mabunda & Okafor (2023), who
reported that local digital literacy is a key determinant of AI integration in peace building contexts.
Adequacy of Regulatory and Ethical Frameworks
Respondents demonstrated limited knowledge of Kenya’s Data Protection Act (M = 2.4, SD = 0.7).
Regression analysis revealed that regulatory awareness significantly predicted trust in AI systems (β = 0.47, t
= 3.22, p = .002), indicating that ethical and legal understanding fosters greater public confidence.
Table 5: Regression Model Summary
Predictor
β
t
p-value
Interpretation
Awareness of Data Protection Act
0.47
3.22
.002
Significant predictor
Ethical oversight mechanisms
0.34
2.11
.039
Moderate influence
These findings echo Kihara (2022), who emphasized that Kenya’s regulatory gaps undermine citizens’ trust
in digital systems, especially in conflict-prone areas where surveillance concerns are heightened.
Human Rights Considerations in AI-driven Peacebuilding
Cross-tabulation results in Table 4.4 show disparities in perceived inclusivity. Women (80%) and youth
(70%) were more likely than men (45%) to believe that AI-driven peace initiatives risked excluding
marginalized groups.
Table 6: Cross-tabulation of Gender vs. Perceived Inclusivity of AI Systems (n = 60)
Gender
Inclusive (%)
Not Inclusive (%)
χ²
p-value
Male (n = 25)
45
55
9.71
.021
Female (n = 20)
80
20
Youth (n = 15)
70
30
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The Chi-square test (χ² = 9.71, p = .021) confirms a significant association between gender and perceptions of
inclusivity. This supports Moyo and Chigona (2020), who found that women and youth often face
algorithmic bias in digital peace interventions due to unequal access and participation.
Strategies for Integrating AI in Conflict Management
Thematic analysis of open-ended responses produced three dominant themes:
Table 7: Thematic analysis of open ended responses
Theme
Illustrative Quote
Interpretation
Digital Readiness and
Capacity Building
“Without training, AI will just
remain a buzzword in Pokot
communities.”
Indicates the need for digital literacy and
local capacity before implementation.
Policy Integration and
Coordination
“Government, NGOs, and tech
firms must work together with the
elders.”
Highlights the importance of
multistakeholder collaboration.
Ethical Safeguards
and Human Oversight
“AI should never replace human
judgment in resolving local
disputes.”
Calls for ethical frameworks ensuring AI
complements rather than replaces human
mediation.
These themes affirm the importance of culturally adaptive technology adoption. They align with UNDP
(2022) recommendations that digital peacebuilding should emphasize inclusion, transparency, and contextual
ethics.
DISCUSSIONS
Discussion of Key Findings
Overall, the results demonstrate that AI has potential to enhance peace building in West Pokot through early
warning and data-driven decision-making, yet its success depends on regulatory frameworks, ethical
governance, and community participation.
Significant correlations and regressions reveal the strong interplay between digital awareness, trust, and
inclusivity. Qualitative findings highlight local apprehensions around surveillance and algorithmic fairness.
These findings are congruent with studies by Kshetri (2021), UNESCO (2022), and Owuor (2023), which
emphasize that integrating AI into conflict management in Africa must be accompanied by ethical safeguards,
data literacy, and participatory frameworks.
CONCLUSION
This study explored the potential and risks of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in conflict resolution in West Pokot
County, Kenya, with specific attention to conflict dynamics, AI adoption, regulatory adequacy, and human
rights considerations.
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Findings revealed that conflict in West Pokot remains driven by resource scarcity, cattle rustling, and
historical marginalization. Traditional peace mechanisms, while culturally grounded, have limited capacity
for early conflict detection.
Quantitative analysis showed that AI awareness strongly correlates with perceived usefulness in conflict
management (r = 0.62, p < .01), yet adoption is constrained by weak infrastructure and limited trust.
Regression analysis confirmed that understanding data protection laws significantly predicts confidence in
AI systems (β = 0.47, p = .002).
Chi-square and cross-tabulation results highlighted disparities in digital inclusion, with gender and literacy
influencing perceptions of AI fairness (χ² = 9.71, p = .021). Thematic findings emphasized the community’s
readiness for hybrid peace mechanisms that integrate digital tools with local traditions.
Overall, the study concludes that AI can complement existing peace structures through predictive analytics,
early-warning alerts, and participatory digital mediation but only within strong ethical and regulatory
safeguards. Responsible AI adoption demands inclusivity, data protection, and sustained community
engagement
Recommendations
1) Integrate Digital Tools into Community-Based Peace Structures
Strengthen existing traditional and administrative conflict resolution mechanisms by embedding digital
reporting, mapping, and monitoring systems, supported by targeted digital literacy training for elders
and peace committee members.
2) Deploy Context-Specific AI Early Warning and Peacebuilding Systems
Pilot AI-driven early warning systems—leveraging mobile platforms, SMS alerts, and satellite data—
through partnerships with universities, technology developers, and youth innovation hubs to address
cattle rustling and resource-based conflicts.
3) Strengthen Regulatory and Ethical Governance for AI in Fragile Settings
Enhance Kenya’s legal and policy frameworks by incorporating AI-specific provisions in peace and
security operations, establishing county-level ethics oversight mechanisms, and building institutional
capacity on AI ethics and data governance.
4) Adopt Inclusive, Rights-Based Hybrid Conflict Resolution Models
Promote hybrid approaches that combine AI-generated insights with community dialogue and
reconciliation, ensuring meaningful participation of women, youth, and marginalized groups through
multi-stakeholder partnerships.
Recommendations for Further Research
Conduct longitudinal studies to evaluate the sustainability and impact of AI-driven peace initiatives in arid
regions.
Explore AI–indigenous knowledge integration, focusing on how traditional wisdom can enhance algorithmic
conflict prediction models.
Undertake gender-focused studies to assess digital access disparities and algorithmic bias in peace
technologies.
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Compare cross-border AI-based peace interventions in West Pokot, Turkana, and Uganda’s Karamoja region
to identify regional collaboration frameworks.Investigate ethical and policy implications of decentralized AI
deployment in local governance and security sectors.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The authors gratefully acknowledge the School of Management and Leadership at the Management
University of Africa, Nairobi, Kenya, for the academic support and enabling environment that facilitated this
study. Appreciation is also extended to faculty mentors, colleagues, and reviewers for their scholarly
guidance and constructive feedback, as well as to community stakeholders and local leaders in West Pokot
County whose insights enriched the contextual relevance of this work. Any remaining shortcomings are
solely the responsibility of the authors.
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