Abstract:
The purpose of the study was to establish the nature context of border interactions and militarism between Abagusii and their neighbouring communities during the pre-colonial period,colonial and post-colonial period. An exploratory research design was used to establish the various ways in which the Abagusii interacted with their neighbouring communities. The objectives of study were; to;establish the historical evolution of the Abagusii in the pre-colonial period,find out the ways in which the Abagusii interacted with the neighboring communities between 1850 and 1895,examine the nature of the interaction and militarism between the Abagusii and their neghbouring communities during the early colonial period, 1895 and 1914,war and post war period to 1963 and to establish the dynamism of interaction between the Abagusii and their neighbouring communities in the post-independence period ,1963-2007.The study was carried out in the larger Gusiiland which presently is occupied by two counties,that is Kisii and Nyamira counties.The target population of this study was the elderly members of the Gusii Community and those thought to br the custodian of the Gusii oral history. A sample size of 90 respondents was randomly selected for study using purposive and snowball techniques. Data was generated using Questionnaire schedules, oral interviews, observation and document Analysis guide .the results indicated a positive interaction between the various communities, although there was significant negative interactions as evidenced by wars and raids among selected communities of the Kipsigis and the luo communities who were also pastoralists during the colonial times. It was recommended that The government and the Ministry of culture should put more emphasis on the teaching on historical events and culture in preparatory, primary schools and higher institutions of learning. Steps should also be taken to ensure that the things and information inherited from the past are preserved and promoted.. Scholars should also consider studying other ethnic communities which were not covered by the researcher to enhance national integration
