Effects of Cattle Rustling on Children Education in Turkana East Sub-County

Conflicts among the Turkana and Pokot, in the form of cattle rustling have a long history such that they have almost become an aspect of their culture. Their conflicts revolve around livestock and related productive assets namely: water, land and pasture. Cattle rustling among the Turkana and Pokot communities have become increasingly destructive and almost less manageable. It is against such background that this study sought to investigate why these conflicts have been endless as well as the effects of cattle rustling in the development of these regions. The specific objective of this study was to find out how cattle rustling has impacted on the education sector of children in schools in Turkana East Sub-County. This study adapted the descriptive survey research design with a sample size of 100 respondents in Kapedo location. The sampling technique used was stratified and purposive sampling. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview guides and Focus group discussions. Data was analysed with the help of SPSS version 23: Quantitative data was analyzed through descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages which were then presented using charts and tables. Qualitative data was analysed thematically. The study concluded that cattle rustling is rampant and quite frequent in Turkana East as given by 58.1% respondents. These raids have led to closure of some schools in Kapedo location as well as poor academic performance of school children in the national examinations. The study recommended that the Government should employ a profound strategy to minimize and bring to end cattle rustling that has led to under-development in Turkana East Sub-County.