Factors influencing cattle rustling related confict resolutions : a case of baragoi sub county, Kenya

Conflicts are common phenomena in many regions of the world especially in areas, which are endowed with scarce natural resources. The demographic consequences of conflict and violence in the developing world are receiving increased attention and so is cattle rustling related conflicts in Kenya. Samburu County specifically Baragoi sub-county has been experiencing series of serious conflicts especially relating to cattle rustling since 1994. The worst incidence was the Baragoi massacre that led to mass death and injury of soldiers in November 2012. Different governmental and non-governmental organizations have been trying to do away with cattle rustling albeit, it has proven futile because of various factors that influence of cattle rustling related to conflict resolutions in Baragoi Sub-County. The specific objectives were evaluated and they included how proliferation of small arms, physical terrain, cultural practices and local leaders influence curtailment of cattle rustling in Baragoi Sub-County. The study employed mixed research designs. Probability sampling techniques that included cluster sampling, proportionate, simple random and stratified sampling were used, besides non-probability sampling methods that included purposive sampling. Data were collected using mixed method both quantitative and qualitative; research instruments such as questionnaires and focus group discussion guide for community members and interview guide for key informants aided in data collection. Quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and presented using frequencies, means and percentages while qualitative data was analyzed and categorized into themes and presented in form of narratives.