Social and Economic Influence of Abanyala Clan Politics on Resource Distribution

Bildad Mutimba Wangia; Kizito Muchanga Lusambili; Jason Momanyi; Josephat Nairutia Kemei

doi:10.51867/ajernet.4.2.115

Authors

Bildad Mutimba Wangia Graduate Student, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya
Kizito Muchanga Lusambili Senior Lecturer, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5430-4558
Jason Momanyi Lecturer, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya
Josephat Nairutia Kemei Ph.D Student, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4911-3378

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51867/ajernet.4.2.115

Keywords:

Clan & Hierarchies, Agricultural Extension Services, Customs, Socioeconomic Status

Abstract

Like many other communities, the Abanyala clan struggles with the intricacies of resource distribution, which is greatly influenced by the political environment and sociocultural dynamics. Essentially, who has access to resources and how they are allocated are largely determined by the Abanyala clan's political structure. Political elites, or those in positions of power and influence, control resources and, occasionally, put their interests ahead of fair distribution, which leads to inequities. To maintain their advantages, these political elites may use strategies like alliances and patronage networks. Various pieces of literature were reviewed, especially those that are deeply ingrained with historical customs and cultural standards that are similar to the Abanyala clan's interactions between politics and business. These relationships frequently reinforce the socioeconomic status and influence over the resource distribution of particular families or groups according to established hierarchies. Due to its qualitative nature, the study used a descriptive research design. This paper used Thorstein Veblen’s theory to underscore the issue of resource distribution. It helped in analyzing the use of power, the people who profit from it, and the effects on the availability of resources for the larger community. The major finding was the need for the Abanyala clan to allocate resources in a way that is inclusive and deliberate.

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