Traversing the geographies of displacement, livelihoods, and embodied health and wellbeing of senior women in Kenya

This paper explores the geographies of displacement and land dispossession issues in Kenya that have created social inequalities and affected the livelihood options, health, and wellbeing of displaced senior women. It draws from a qualitative study of senior women (aged ≥50 years) who have experienced displacement and are currently living in the central region of Kenya. The women took part in two focus group discussions (n=24 participants) and three in-depth interviews (n=3). The paper is informed by two frameworks: accumulation by dispossession and the eco-social frameworks to explore how the land tenure system has contributed to land dispossession and the many associated cycles of post-election violence in Kenya. The paper narrates how forced evictions due to colonization and subsequent privatization of community commons such as land have affected people's lives and livelihoods, particularly the livelihood options available to women hence creating points of stress and distress. As women navigate the challenges of displacement and land dispossession coupled with environmental changes, they must also manage the accompanying worries and uncertainties related to providing basic needs for their families and ensuring the sustainability of their lineage. As a result, the experiences of hardship and “worrying too much” are embodied and reflected in the health and wellbeing of senior women. Addressing the challenges of displacement and land dispossession is paramount in Kenya's effort to becoming a prosperous nation with a high quality of life for all its citizens but especially for those experiencing land dispossession.