The Socio-Economic Factors Contributing to the Prevalence of Cattle Rustling in West Pokot County, Kenya

Benson Kibet Chombus and Andrew Mung'ale Nyongesa
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Benson Kibet Chombus: Kenyatta University
Andrew Mung'ale Nyongesa: Kenyatta University

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science, 2025, vol. 10, issue 5, 249-262

Abstract: Cattle rustling persists as a critical socio-economic and security issue across West Pokot County which damages local lives and economic stability together with social relationships between communities. Traditional livestock hijacking among pastoralist populations has transformed into an armed robbery activity caused by financial misfortune and resource disputes along with deficient government management procedures. Multiple efforts failed to stop cattle rustling from persisting as a threat against peace along with development and social strength of the region. The development of sustainable solutions requires understanding of what drives this particular practice in the first place. The research zone in this study investigates what economic and social aspects drive cattle rustling occurrences among West Pokot communities. The research analyzes how livelihood dependency affects poverty and unemployment alongside resource scarcity to explore its relation with cattle rustling for identifying long-lasting intervention solutions. The study implemented a convergent parallel mixed-methods design because it integrated quantitative and qualitative methodologies to achieve thorough analysis. Through 300 questionnaires and in-depth key informant interviews and focus group discussions the researchers collected their data set. The research team analyzed quantitative data through SPSS whereas qualitative data received thematic code analysis. During this research investigation the team followed ethical principles which featured both informed consent protocols as well as confidentiality practices. The study revealed that pastoralism acts as the main income source for 54.0% of the population who remain at great risk from economic disruptions. The economic impacts from cattle rustling included both the loss of livestock which affected 31.0% of households and income reductions impacting 28.7% of respondents. Other employment opportunities were scarce while inadequate law enforcement coupled with grazing territory disputes made the cattle rustling situation worse. Cattle theft would continue because local cultures held cattle as important signs of financial power, societal ranking and community belonging. The authors find that economic insecurity and resource competition together with cultural traditions serve as the main forces behind West Pokot’s cattle rustling incidents. The recommendation for resolving the issue includes economic diversification along with better security standards and sustainable land management and policy reforms through community peace initiatives. Long-term development and economic stability together with peace depend on resolving the root socio-economic factors.

Date: 2025
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