THE EFFECTS OF CATTLE RUSTLING ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN KENYA (A CASE OF EAST POKOT)

Abstract

The study was conducted in East Pokot Sub-County of Baringo County; Kenya. The main objective was to establish effects of cattle rustling on socio-economic development in Kenya. The specific study objectives were; to establish how cattle rustling has affected socio-economic development in East Pokot Sub-County, to determine the effects of cattle rustling on socioeconomic development in the Sub-County and to establish what kind of socio economic development have been affected by cattle rustling in the area. The research utilised both primary and secondary data collection methods. The study adopted a descriptive research design to agree on the effects of cattle rustling on socio-economic development in Kenya. Cochran formula was used to determine a sample size of 383. Purposive and stratified random sampling methodologies were used during data collection period to interview the respondents. Questionnaire was used as the main data collection instrument and a pilot study was conducted to pre-test questionnaire for validity and reliability in Baringo North Sub-County. Descriptive statistics data analysis and discourse analysis methods were applied to analyze data. Numerical data was gathered using closed ended questions and was analyzed aided by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 19). Pearson correlation study was carried out to establish the relationship between the research variables. The findings indicate that cattle rustling has serious effects on socio-economic development which include; collapse of educational facilities, health services, water provision and poor state of roads. The study recommends that in order for socio-economic development to be realized in East pokot, the government and stakeholders should initiate socio-economic programs to replace cattle rustling which is regarded as an economic activity. This can be realized through building schools, health facilities, construct roads and improve literacy levels and provide alternative livelihoods to the Pokot community. The findings were presented using both descriptive and inferential statistics methods.