Influence of gender on land ownership among the samor community in baringo county, kenya

In most African societies, land provides one with identity, a sense of belonging and is a pillar for human development. Gender is an essential factor in determining the social and relational aspects of individuals in any society. This is particular true when it comes to the question of land inheritance. In most African communities the inheritance of land is governed by the community’s social structure and culture. The general objective of the study was to examine the influence of gender in land ownership among the Samor community of Baringo County. The study adopted a descriptive research design. A purposive sampling procedure was employed to select Kabarnet Mosop location. The study was conducted in all the four sub-locations of Kabarnet Mosop. The study employed survey method with questionnaire as the main tool of quantitative data collection. Three hundred and sixty-four (364) questionnaires were administered. In addition 10 in-depth interviews with key informant were carried out to obtain qualitative data. Quantitative data was coded and managed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences program and the data was presented using tables, figures and percentages. Qualitative data was manually analyzed according to themes and narratives developed, analyzed and presented in form of verbal quotations. The results of the study showed that much of the land in Samor community is owned by men. The study also showed that the women who own land acquire it through purchase. Thus even though men do not allow women to inherit land, they sell it to women or allow them to buy without any negative socio-cultural impacts. The study concludes that for men and women to have equal access to land gender relations as they are informed by historical, legal and political factors need to be addressed. The findings of this study are thus relevant as they can be used to address inequalities in access to and ownership of land between the two genders in Samor community and, indeed, other communities in Kenya.