CATTLE RUSTLING IN KENYA: A REVIEW OF THE ROOT CAUSES, EMERGING TRAJECTORIES AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES

Authors

  • Susan Namaemba Kimokoti Department of Peace and Conflict Studies, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology P.O Box 190-50100 Kakamega, KENYA

Keywords:

Conflict, Cattle rustling, raids, banditry, livestock

Abstract

Conflict is a global phenomenon with the upsurge spreading across borders due to the globalization which has brought about greater state interconnectivities. The practice of cattle rustling among the pastoral communities was considered as a cultural practice and was sanctioned and controlled by the elders. However, over a period of time there have emerged new trends, tendencies and dynamics, leading to commercialization and internationalization of the practice thus leading to multiple adverse effects. Conflict management and resolution processes adopted often involve significant segments of local authority structures, and often signify community desires for stability, enhanced production, and other benefits which conflict situations often deny the affected communities. The typology of most African conflicts could be greatly enriched by a careful exploration of the various conflict types viewed from the perspective of the different issues in contention. Conflicts in each category will only be satisfactorily resolved when they are addressed in relation to their specific root causes. This is due to the point that there are different types of conflicts in Africa and in Kenya to be precise, with cattle rustling being one of them. Consequently, each conflict needs to be analyzed on its own merits and addressed as a specific case rather than using the strait-jacket peace-keeping approach in every conflict as has been the case for decades. The conflict dynamics that fuel cattle raiding are complex and extend far beyond a simple 'competition for scarce resources' model to include wider regional dynamics.

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How to Cite

Susan Namaemba Kimokoti. (2022). CATTLE RUSTLING IN KENYA: A REVIEW OF THE ROOT CAUSES, EMERGING TRAJECTORIES AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES. EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR), 8(4), 119–124. Retrieved from http://eprajournals.net/index.php/IJMR/article/view/299