Abstract:
This paper discusses relationship between cattle rustling and development: case study of Tot and
Tunyo divisions of Elgeyo Marakwet County 1963 to 2012. The study was guided by the following research
question: In what ways has cattle rustling affected socio-economic activities of Tot and Tunyo divisions? The
study used a combination of two non-probability sampling techniques, convenience sampling and snow balling.
The data for the study was analyzed qualitatively using descriptive narratives in systematic themes. The study
found out that there is relationship between cattle rustling and development. The implications of cattle rustling
include loss of human lives, destruction of property, loss of livestock and involuntary migration of populations
to areas deemed safe etc. which affects material and human development. The study concludes that, cattle
rustling incidences have negative consequence on the development of the society. This study recommends that
the government should formulate and implement policies on conflict management and peace building. Such
policies could provide frameworks for understanding the conflict and how to manage them thus helping in
reduction of negative consequence as a result of cattle raids. The government should further institutionalize and
legalize the role of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, also it should check the proliferation of illicit
arms and strengthen community policing.
