Abstract:
This study analyzed security implications of policing strategies used in curbing
cattle rustling in Samburu. Specific objectives included: to analyze the security effect of
disarmaments, assess the security implication of police deployment, examine the security
impact of curbing illegal arms trade, and determine the security impact of community policing
as policing strategies for curbing cattle rustling in Samburu. The study was guided by the
routine activity theory; rational choice theory, and structural theory of conflict. The target
population for the study was 524 individuals which were categorized as church leaders, local
chiefs and their assistants, deputy county commissioner, national police unit, community
elders, and teachers of Samburu County. Purposive and stratified random sampling were used
to identify 172 respondents by using Kathuri and Pals sampling formula of 20-30% where the
upper limit of 30% of the target population was applied. A semi-structure questionnaire and
interview guide were used for collection of primary data. Quantitative data was analyzed using
both descriptive and inferential statistics with the help of SPSS version 23 and Excel
worksheets whereas qualitative data was analyzed thematically. Analyzed quantitative data
was presented using tables while qualitative data was presented using narratives. Based on the
study findings, more than 48% of the respondents revealed that disarmament efforts, police
deployment, curbing of illegal trade, and community policing were concurrently applied in
curbing of cattle rustling in Samburu, with significant positive outcomes. Other critical players
in the fight against livestock theft in the area included the Kenya police reservists, NGOs,
churches, and community leadership, among others. However, persistent cattle rustling
practices called for more collaborative efforts necessary for enhanced curtailing of the menace
through long-lasting solutions. The study recommendations included the fact that the
government should always conduct disarmament exercises in a holistic manner; more policepublic partnership should be encouraged; collaborative efforts should be increased to eradicate
illegal firearms; and that community policing structures should be enhanced to monitor and
report cases of livestock theft to relevant government authorities.
