Project Baseline – Promoting Good Governance, Justice, and Peace in the Diocese of Marsabit

Project Summary for the Baseline Study(Download TOR)

1. Background and Rationale

Marsabit County, located in northern Kenya, has long faced complex challenges related to inter-ethnic conflicts, governance weaknesses, resource-based disputes, and socio-economic inequalities. The region is predominantly inhabited by pastoralist communities whose livelihoods depend on scarce natural resources such as water and pasture. Over time, competition for these resources, coupled with political rivalries, historical grievances, and weak governance structures, has contributed to recurring violence and social instability.

Limited public participation in governance, low levels of civic awareness, and exclusion of marginalized groups, particularly women and youth, further exacerbate the situation. While peace and governance structures exist, they are often underutilized, lack adequate capacity, or fail to meaningfully engage key stakeholders. Recognizing these challenges, Caritas Marsabit, through the Catholic Diocese of Marsabit and with support from Misereor, is implementing the “Promoting Good Governance, Justice, and Peace in the Diocese of Marsabit” project.

The Enhanced peace building and informed citizenry project seeks to ensure peace between communities within Marsabit county. The project emphasis are on social economic, political, cultural and religious situations and it’s the projects goal to ensure that agreeable initiatives are in place to engage with the community to come to peaceful consensus over these matters. Marsabit county is an Arid and Semi-arid region with limited communally owned rangelands that are diminishing due to the impacts of climate change, lost to established game parks and national reserves, major projects such as roads, dams, and military camps (Karare), airports and private investments such as the Turkana Windpower project. That has caused confusion and frustration to the communities with disruption of the traditional migration routes and put immense pressure to the remaining range area leading to the disagreement between the communities.

The political situation is also dominated with Borana, Gabra and Rendile ethnic communities opting out the smaller groups. The struggle for electoral influence, expansion on boundaries and accumulation of wealth within the specified groups exacerbates animosity and fragmentation which leads loss of life and displacement. The strong connection to the community’s heritage with a 48.5% Muslim, 35% Christian, and 15.5% African traditional religion while the remaining 1% adhere to the other religions would often be an avenue of the sprouting of inter-religious/dominions conflicts. With all that in consideration, the project looks to ensure enhanced peace-building and informed citizenry through inclusion within the Diocese of Marsabit.

This initiative aims to promote peaceful coexistence, social cohesion, and good governance by strengthening local peace structures, fostering interfaith dialogue, and enhancing community participation in decision-making processes. To guide its implementation and ensure effectiveness, a baseline study will be conducted to establish key benchmarks, assess the socio-political landscape, and generate data-driven insights for targeted interventions.

2. Project Goal and Objectives

The overarching goal of this project is to promote peace, strengthen governance structures, and enhance civic participation in Marsabit County. This will be achieved through capacity-building, dialogue, conflict resolution, and multi-stakeholder collaboration.

The project is designed around the following specific objectives:

Objective

Description

Strengthen governance and public participation

Enhance civic awareness, promote accountability, and empower communities to engage in decision-making.

Reduce inter-ethnic conflicts and promote peace

Establish effective conflict resolution mechanisms, facilitate dialogue, and engage key stakeholders in peace processes.

Enhance the role of women, youth, and marginalized groups

Increase participation of women, youth, and people with disabilities (PWDs) in governance and peacebuilding efforts.

Improve access to justice and conflict resolution

Support peace committees, interfaith councils, and traditional institutions in addressing disputes and grievances.

Foster interfaith collaboration

Strengthen religious leaders’ role in advocating for social justice, conflict resolution, and governance reforms.

3. Expected Outcomes

The project is expected to yield long-term transformational change by fostering sustainable peace and governance in Marsabit County. The anticipated key outcomes are:

Outcome

Expected Impact

Improved governance and civic engagement

Increased citizen awareness and participation in governance, leading to more transparent and accountable leadership.

Strengthened peace and conflict resolution mechanisms

A decline in inter-ethnic conflicts due to improved peace structures, mediation mechanisms, and reconciliation efforts.

Greater inclusion of women, youth, and marginalized groups

Higher representation of women, youth, and PWDs in peace dialogues and governance processes.

Enhanced interfaith collaboration

Increased joint efforts by religious leaders in promoting peace and social harmony.

4. Key Outputs and Activities

To achieve the desired outcomes, the project will deliver the following outputs through targeted interventions:

Output

Key Activities

Enhanced public participation in governance

Conduct civic education sessions, train local leaders, and establish community forums for citizen engagement.

Strengthened community peace structures

Support peace committees, facilitate mediation training, and organize inter-community dialogue sessions.

Empowered women, youth, and marginalized groups

Conduct leadership training, mentorship programs, and capacity-building for women and youth leaders.

Strengthened role of religious leaders in peacebuilding

Establish interfaith councils, conduct peace awareness campaigns, and enhance faith-based advocacy.

Output

Key Activities

5. Indicators to be Measured in the Baseline Study

To assess project impact, the baseline study will establish benchmarks for key governance, peace, and inclusion indicators. These indicators will serve as reference points for future monitoring and evaluation.

Focus Area

Indicator

Governance and Civic Engagement

– % of community members are aware of their rights and responsibilities.
– Level of participation in public decision-making processes.
– Number of community-led governance forums.

Peace and Conflict Resolution

– Number and frequency of reported inter-ethnic conflicts.

– % of conflicts resolved through non-violent means.

– Number of active peace committees and peace dialogue sessions.

Inclusion and Gender Equality

– % of women and youth participating in governance and peacebuilding.
– Number of women and youth trained in leadership and advocacy.
– Incidence of gender-based violence and harmful cultural practices.

Interfaith Collaboration

– Number of interfaith meetings and dialogues conducted.
– Level of collaboration between religious leaders.
– Perception of religious leaders’ role in promoting peace.

6. Expected Impact

By the end of the project, Marsabit County is expected to witness significant improvements in governance, peace, and social cohesion. The anticipated impact includes:

• Strengthened governance and civic participation, ensuring that citizens actively engage in decision-making processes at the county level.
• Reduced ethnic conflicts, achieved through structured mediation, peace dialogues, and community reconciliation efforts.
• Increased leadership roles for women and youth, promoting inclusivity and long-term sustainability in peace and governance initiatives.
• Enhanced interfaith collaboration, fostering unity among diverse religious communities in advocating for justice and harmony.

Purpose of the Baseline

The baseline for the “Promoting Good Governance, Justice, and Peace in the Diocese of Marsabit” project is a critical first step in ensuring the effectiveness of the initiative. It serves as a foundational assessment that will provide empirical data and contextual insights on the existing governance, peace, and conflict landscape in Marsabit County before project implementation. The findings from this study will guide project strategies, refine intervention approaches, and establish benchmarks for tracking progress and impact throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Objectives of the Project Baseline

The Project Baseline aims to achieve the following:

1. Establish Benchmarks for Monitoring and Evaluation

1. Collect quantitative and qualitative data on key project indicators, setting a reference point for measuring progress and impact over time.
2. Identify current levels of public participation in governance, peace structures, and interfaith collaboration to assess improvements during project implementation.

2. Assess the Current Governance Landscape

1. Examine citizens’ awareness and engagement in governance processes, including participation in county decision-making, budget planning, and accountability mechanisms.
2. Identify barriers to effective governance and public participation, including factors such as low literacy, political exclusion, and lack of access to information.

3. Analyze Conflict Dynamics and Existing Peacebuilding Mechanisms

1. Map out conflict-prone areas, key conflict drivers, and stakeholders involved in peace and conflict resolution efforts.
2. Assess the role and effectiveness of traditional elders, peace committees, religious leaders, and local governance institutions in mitigating conflicts.
3. Identify the impact of political, economic, and resource-based disputes on inter-ethnic relations and security in the region.

4. Evaluate the Inclusion of Women, Youth, and Marginalized Groups

1. Determine the level of women’s and youth participation in governance and peacebuilding initiatives.
2. Identify barriers that limit the engagement of marginalized groups, including people with disabilities (PWDs), minority ethnic groups, and women leaders.
3. Assess the prevalence of gender-based violence, early marriage, and harmful cultural practices, which influence women’s participation in decision-making.

5. Understand the Role of Interfaith Collaboration in Peacebuilding

1. Analyze the current level of engagement and cooperation among religious leaders from different faiths in promoting peace and social cohesion.
   1. Identify existing interfaith dialogue mechanisms and opportunities for strengthening faith-based peace interventions.

6. Provide Actionable Recommendations for Effective Project Implementation

1. Offer evidence-based insights on which intervention strategies will be most effective in addressing governance gaps, reducing conflict, and promoting civic engagement.
   1. Identify areas where capacity-building, advocacy, and policy engagement will have the most impact.
   2. Suggest partnership opportunities with local government agencies, civil society organizations, and community-based institutions to maximize project sustainability.

Scope of the Project Baseline

The study will focus on key geographical, thematic, and demographic areas relevant to the project:

Key Areas of Assessment

Geographical Scope

The study will cover targeted intervention sites across Marsabit County, focusing on hotspot areas such as Kargi, Hurri Hills, Kalacha, Korr, North Horr, Laisamis, Merille, Karare, and Sololo.

Thematic Scope

The evaluation will examine governance structures, public participation, peacebuilding efforts, inter-ethnic relations, social inclusion, and interfaith collaboration.

Demographic Scope

The study will engage diverse community groups, including pastoralist communities, women, youth, religious leaders, government officials, and peace committees.

Expected Use of the Baseline Findings

The findings from this Project Baseline will be used to:

• Guide project planning and implementation, ensuring that interventions are data-driven and contextually relevant.
• Inform stakeholder engagement and advocacy efforts, strengthening collaboration with government agencies, peace committees, and interfaith networks.
• Support real-time learning and adaptive management, allowing project teams to refine strategies based on emerging insights.
• Ensure accountability to donors and stakeholders by demonstrating the project’s relevance, alignment with community needs, and long-term impact potential.

The consultant is expected to take the lead in:

• Inception Report: A report detailing the methodology, tools, and work plan for the baseline study.
• Data Collection Tools: Finalized surveys, interview guides, and focus group discussion guides.
• Draft Baseline Report: A draft report summarizing the baseline data, findings, and initial analysis.
• Final Baseline Report: A comprehensive report incorporating feedback from stakeholders.
• Presentation: A presentation of key findings for the project team and stakeholders.

Caritas Marsabit will take the lead in:

• Guide on the target communities.
• Provide field transport to all the sites.
• Provide tablets and digital support for data collection.
• Review the developed survey tools.
• Recruit enumerators.
• Provide linkages to key informants to be interviewed during the survey.

Methodology for the Project Baseline

The Project Baseline for the “Promoting Good Governance, Justice, and Peace in the Diocese of Marsabit” project methodology for the baseline study is suggested to adopt:-

1. Amixed-methods approach, integrating both quantitative and qualitative research techniques to provide a comprehensive assessment of governance, peace, and conflict dynamics in Marsabit County. The study will ensure a participatory process, actively involving key stakeholders such as community members, local leaders, government officials, peace committees, interfaith groups, and marginalized populations to capture diverse perspectives.

By combining multiple research methodologies, this evaluation will generate empirical evidence that will guide the project’s design, implementation, and monitoring processes. The data collected will serve as a benchmark for tracking progress and assessing impact throughout the project lifecycle. The study will also ensure data reliability, validity, and contextual relevance by triangulating findings from different sources.

2. Research Design and Approach: The study will employ a convergent parallel mixed-methods approach, where both quantitative and qualitative data will be collected simultaneously and analyzed together. This approach ensures that statistical data is complemented by deeper insights into community perceptions, behaviors, and challenges.

Quantitative methods will focus on collecting numerical data related to project indicators, such as community awareness of governance, public participation levels, and inter-ethnic conflict occurrences. On the other hand, qualitative methods will explore experiences, attitudes, and contextual factors affecting governance and peacebuilding. The use of both primary and secondary data sources will enhance the depth and accuracy of findings, allowing for robust cross-verification.

3. Data Collection Methods: The evaluation will utilize multiple data collection techniques to ensure inclusivity, representation, and accuracy in capturing the current governance and conflict landscape.

A desk review will be conducted to analyze existing reports, policies, research studies, and project documents. This will provide background context and support data triangulation. Key sources will include conflict assessments, governance reports, socio-economic studies, and national and county government policy documents related to peacebuilding and public participation.

A household survey will be administered across the targeted project sites to collect quantitative data on governance awareness, civic engagement, and perceptions of peace and conflict. A statistically representative sample will be used to ensure the validity and generalizability of the results.

Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) will be conducted with strategic stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, religious figures, peace committee members, and representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs) and NGOs. These interviews will provide expert insights, historical perspectives, and policy-related information crucial for understanding governance and conflict issues.

Additionally, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) will be held with various community groups, including women, youth, pastoralist communities, and marginalized populations such as persons with disabilities (PWDs). These discussions will offer a platform for participants to express their experiences and perspectives on governance, inclusion, and peacebuilding challenges. Each FGD will have 8-12 participants, facilitated using a semi-structured discussion guide to ensure focused and meaningful conversations.

Field observations will also be conducted in conflict-prone areas to assess social interactions, governance participation, and the functionality of local peace structures. This method will help in identifying visible socio-economic challenges and assessing peace efforts in real-time community settings. Observations will be documented through field notes and photography, where ethically permissible.

4. Sampling Strategy: A multi-stage sampling approach will be used to ensure representation across geographical, demographic, and stakeholder groups. Stratified sampling will be applied to households to ensure diverse representation across ethnicities, age groups, and socio-economic status. Purposive sampling will be used to select key informants such as government officials, religious leaders, and peace committee members, ensuring that those with the most relevant expertise and influence are included. Quota sampling will be employed to ensure the inclusion of women, youth, and marginalized groups, particularly in FGDs. Random sampling will be used for survey respondents, ensuring an unbiased selection of participants across the target project sites. The final sample size will be determined using 95% confidence levels and appropriate margin-of-error calculations to ensure statistical robustness.

5. Data Analysis Plan: The collected data will undergo rigorous analysis using both statistical and thematic approaches. Quantitative data, primarily obtained from household surveys, will be analyzed by applying descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, and frequency distributions to identify trends and patterns. This will allow for a clear assessment of governance awareness, participation levels, and conflict incidences.

Qualitative data, including responses from KIIs and FGDs, will be analyzed using thematic coding techniques in Nvivo or manual categorization, grouping responses into key themes such as governance challenges, peacebuilding mechanisms, and inclusion barriers. Observational data will undergo content analysis, with field notes and photographic evidence helping to contextualize the findings.

To enhance reliability, triangulation will be conducted by comparing findings from different sources, ensuring that the conclusions drawn reflect a comprehensive and accurate representation of the ground realities.

6. Ethical Considerations: The evaluation will adhere to strict ethical guidelines to ensure that all participants are treated with dignity, respect, and confidentiality. Informed consent will be obtained from all respondents before data collection, with clear explanations provided on the study’s purpose, voluntary participation, and confidentiality measures.

Anonymity and data security will be prioritized to protect sensitive information, with all personal data securely stored and only accessible to authorized researchers. Special attention will be given to ensuring cultural sensitivity, respecting local customs, traditions, and community dynamics throughout the evaluation process.

Additionally, the study will be conducted in accordance with the Do No Harm principle, ensuring that participation in the evaluation does not expose respondents to any psychological, social, or emotional distress.

7. Validation and Dissemination of Findings

Upon completion of data analysis, the findings will be validated and disseminated through multiple channels to ensure stakeholder engagement and knowledge-sharing. A stakeholder validation workshop will be conducted, bringing together government officials, community leaders, religious leaders, and peace committee members to discuss findings, provide feedback, and refine conclusions.

A formal presentation will be made to Caritas Marsabit and the Diocese of Marsabit, ensuring that the implementing team and funding partners are well-informed about the baseline conditions. Additionally, community feedback forums will be held to share findings with selected community representatives, ensuring transparency and local ownership of insights.

A final report will be compiled and shared with all key stakeholders, including donors and project partners. This report will include recommendations for effective project implementation, highlighting areas for capacity-building, policy engagement, and partnership development.

Qualifications and Experience of the Lead Consultant

The Project Baseline for the “Promoting Good Governance, Justice, and Peace in the Diocese of Marsabit” project requires a highly skilled and experienced Lead Consultant who will be responsible for the design, execution, and reporting of the study. The consultant must ensure that the methodology is rigorous, data-driven, and contextually relevant, providing insights that will guide project implementation and future evaluations. This assignment demands a consultant with strong academic qualifications, extensive experience in peacebuilding and governance evaluations, and advanced research and analytical skills. A deep understanding of the socio-political landscape of northern Kenya, particularly in Marsabit County, is also essential for conducting a credible and impactful baseline study.

2. Academic Qualifications: The consultant must hold an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Peace and Conflict Studies, Governance and Public Administration, Development Studies, Political Science, Monitoring and Evaluation, or any other related discipline in the Social Sciences. A Master’s degree is required, while a PhD in a related field will be an added advantage.

3. Professional Experience: The Lead Consultant must demonstrate a minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in conducting baseline studies, evaluations, and research assessments, particularly in peacebuilding, governance, civic engagement, and conflict resolution. Experience working with faith-based organizations, humanitarian agencies, or NGOs that implement similar projects will be highly advantageous. Additionally, the consultant should have a proven track record of leading research assignments in fragile and conflict-affected areas, preferably within pastoralist communities or marginalized regions in Kenya or the Horn of Africa.

A strong background in peacebuilding and conflict resolution is essential, including expertise in conflict analysis, mediation strategies, and conflict-sensitive programming. The consultant should have experience working with peace committees, traditional elders, religious leaders, and local governance institutions involved in conflict mitigation. Familiarity with inter-ethnic and resource-based conflicts affecting pastoralist communities will be critical in ensuring a well-informed evaluation.

In addition, the consultant must possess comprehensive knowledge of governance, civic engagement, and policy advocacy. This includes expertise in evaluating public participation mechanisms, accountability structures, and local governance processes. An understanding of devolution and county governance structures in Kenya, as well as the role of communities in influencing policy and service delivery, will be necessary for this study.

4. Research and Analytical Skills: The consultant must have strong expertise in research methodologies, data collection, and analysis. Proficiency in both quantitative and qualitative research methods is required, including survey design, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. The consultant should be highly skilled in using data analysis software such as SPSS, STATA, or R for quantitative data and Nvivo or ATLAS.ti for qualitative data analysis. Additionally, experience in designing and implementing participatory data collection tools that engage diverse stakeholders will be an asset.

Given the project’s emphasis on inclusion, the consultant must also demonstrate experience in gender and social inclusion research. This includes expertise in gender-sensitive evaluation approaches and a clear understanding of barriers that prevent women, youth, and marginalized groups from participating in governance and peacebuilding initiatives. The consultant must be able to assess issues such as gender-based violence, early marriage, and other socio-cultural factors that influence civic participation and community cohesion.

Another critical requirement is cultural and regional understanding. The consultant should have prior experience working in northern Kenya or similar conflict-prone, arid, and pastoralist regions. A strong understanding of local governance systems, traditional conflict resolution mechanisms, and interfaith peacebuilding efforts will be essential. Additionally, the ability to conduct community-led participatory research while respecting local customs and traditions is necessary for successful engagement with stakeholders.

5. Key Competencies and Skills: In addition to academic qualifications and technical expertise, the consultant must possess strong analytical and report-writing skills to synthesize complex data into clear, concise, and actionable reports. Excellent communication and facilitation skills are also necessary, as the consultant will be required to engage diverse stakeholders, including community leaders, government officials, and marginalized groups. The ability to manage large-scale research projects within strict timelines is crucial, as is the ability to facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues and consensus-building sessions.

The consultant should also demonstrate proficiency in digital research tools, including mobile data collection platforms such as KoboToolbox, ODK, or SurveyCTO. Strong stakeholder engagement and diplomatic skills will be essential, especially in working with government agencies, community organizations, and donors. Proficiency in English and Kiswahili is required, while knowledge of local languages spoken in Marsabit County, such as Borana, Rendille, or Gabra, will be an added advantage.

Expected Deliverables from the Lead Consultant

The consultant will be expected to produce key deliverables that align with international research and evaluation standards.

Deliverable

Description

Inception Report

Detailed work plan, refined methodology, and data collection tools.

Draft Baseline Report

Preliminary findings, including data analysis and key insights.

Stakeholder Validation Workshop

Presentation of findings to project stakeholders for feedback.

Final Baseline Report

Comprehensive report with baseline indicators, recommendations, and action points.

Raw Datasets and Analysis Files

All collected data (quantitative and qualitative) for project use.

Timelines.

The baseline study is expected to be completed within a one-month timeframe. The selected consultancy will follow a structured timeline, with key activities scheduled to ensure that all tasks are completed efficiently while maintaining high-quality data collection, analysis, and reporting. Below is the proposed timeline:

Ethics and confidentiality of information.

All documents and data collected during the consultancy process will be confidential and used solely to facilitate the assignment. The information to which the consultant has access will always be the property of Caritas Marsabit and not disclosed unless express permission has been granted. The research team must adhere to ethical standards, ensuring informed consent, confidentiality, and respect for the community’s cultural norms.

Payment process

40% of the payment will be made upon submission and acceptance of the draft evaluation report by Caritas Marsabit

40% of the payment will be made upon submission and acceptance of the final evaluation report by Caritas Marsabit

NB:

The Consultant’s compensation shall be paid NET, within 30 days from receipt of a proper invoice unless otherwise specified.

Payment will be made by cheque unless otherwise specified.

The payment shall be subjected to a withholding tax as required by the Law at the time of payment.

How to apply

Application process

Individuals/organizations interested in undertaking this evaluation are invited to submit their application (in English) no later than 16th March 2025. All applications should be submitted electronically with the topic “Promoting Good Governance, Justice, and Peace in the Diocese of Marsabit-Project Baseline.”

To apply the consultant(s) should submit their Expression of Interest ONLINE as one PDF file consisting of:

• Technical proposal with: the consultant’s interpretation and clear understanding of the TOR, methodology and approaches to be used, work plan, CVs of experts,
• Financial proposal quoted in Kenya Shillings for the assignment (including enumerators costs, training costs, transport, hall hire, and other direct costs)
• The consultancy firm profile –providing a list of previous related work on Low vision and eye project evaluations, copies of compliance documents such as registration certificate, KRA certificate, recommendation letters, etc,