Efficacy of Specialized Security Agencies in Curbing Cattle Rustling in Sotik and Borabu Sub-Counties in Kenya

Fredrick Okeyo Nyagwara; Kennedy Obumba Ogutu

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ss.20241304.12

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Efficacy of Specialized Security Agencies in Curbing Cattle Rustling in Sotik and Borabu Sub-Counties in Kenya

Fredrick Okeyo Nyagwara^*

, Kennedy Obumba Ogutu

Published in Social Sciences (Volume 13, Issue 4)

Received: 10 June 2024 Accepted: 3 July 2024 Published: 23 July 2024

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Abstract

Kenya has faced a wide scale threat of cattle rustling. The menace has been occurring mainly in counties populated by pastoralist groups including the Turkana, Samburu, Maasai, Pokot as well as Kipsigis and Kisii among others. People have been killed, their property lost; some mutilated, injured, and displaced. Security organizations such as the General Service Unit (GSU) and the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) among others were mobilized to help curb the danger of cattle rustling yet it has continued to occur in Kenya including Sotik and Borabu Sub counties. The purpose of this study was thus to investigate how effective security agencies were in curbing cattle rustling in the counties of Bomet and Nyamira, Kenya. This study therefore investigated the effectiveness of specialized security agencies in curbing cattle rustling in the Sotik and Borabu Sub-Counties in Bomet and Nyamira Counties in Kenya. A sequential exploratory mixed methods design was used. The target population was all the residents of Sotik and Borabu Sub-Counties (18 years and above) who had information regarding the topic under discourse. They were 284,379 in number. A total of 156 respondents participated. The respondents were drawn through purposive sampling. A questionnaire was used to gather quantitative information while key informant interview guides were used to gather qualitative information from the respondents. The hypothesis was tested using Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient (r) at α =0.05 level of significance. The results obtained from the two sub-counties determined that the deployment of specialized security agencies had a statistically significant effect on curbing cattle rustling. This means that before the deployment of security agencies, the frequency of cattle rustling was relatively high as compared to the periods after their deployment. The reduction was therefore attributed to the constant pursuit and deployment of specialized units such as the ASTU, GSU and Administration Police in the region. The study recommends that the national government should expand the presence and activities of specialized security agencies in regions with a history of high cattle rustling rates, focusing on areas with the highest correlation between agency presence and rustling reduction. The government should also implement targeted training programs for specialized security personnel to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge for addressing the unique challenges associated with cattle rustling.

Published in	Social Sciences (Volume 13, Issue 4)
DOI	10.11648/j.ss.20241304.12
Page(s)	89-97
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Specialized Security Agencies, Cattle Rustling, Effectiveness

1. Introduction

The menace of cattle rustling has been a significant issue for quite a long time. Brazil dispatched probably its biggest activity against cattle theft, uncovering how hoodlums cheated farmers, took huge numbers of animals, and exchanged them for the nation. As indicated by media, police in Brazil's southernmost province of Rio Grande do Sul have had the option to destroy a criminal association that took around 12,000 head of steers and afterward exchanged them to the northern territory of Tocantins, 2,600 kilometers away

[7]

. The police originally learned of the burglaries after a grumbling held up by around 70 farmers, who were supposedly fooled into giving over their cattle free of charge. Referring to police sources, Rede Brasil Sul de Televisão (RBS TV) uncovered the rustlers’ gathered cattle from the farmers and paid them in post-dated checks associated with void accounts

[16]

. These new cases suggested that rustlers in the Rio Grande do Sul had been embracing more refined techniques. This empowered the security agencies to take an inexorably proactive reaction to the cattle rustling crime

[11]

. Their endeavors have been remunerating as the quantity of cases is said to have decreased radically. For example, between the years 2018-2019 cattle theft cases were 27% down from 51% in the equivalent period between years 2016-2017. The accomplishments of police examination across Brazil have been accomplished through collaborating to focus on those occupied with the act

[15]

. In 2021, and under the suggestion of the police, a bill that proposed the utilization of a thorough cattle global positioning framework was bantered by the city board of Dom Pedrito, a district found in southern Rio Grande do Sul. The Bill presents an information base of cattle brands and signs that specialists focusing on cattle rustling can counsel through a cellphone application to check for anomalies

[7]

The Nigerian government's reaction to the security danger has been somewhat sluggish and by and large responsive. It was distinctly in 2014 that coordinated exertion began to arise. Such action included the Nigerian Police Force, under the Inspector-General who dispatched the Task Force on Cattle Rustling and Associated Crime. The team was to be liable for watching and working on intelligence gathering on cattle rustlers and related violations, as well as examining and conceivably indicting revealed instances of such crimes

[17]

. The battle on rustling in Nigeria has had the option to unit the military, police, security administration, common guard corps, and neighborhood vigilante bunches proactively captivating with the rustlers in the forests. Within seven days of the task force foundation, an aggregate of 118 cows and 23 sheep had been retrieved from rustlers

[16]

. A similar technique for joint watch activity was likewise set up by the Katsina State Government in late 2015. In any case, the most imaginative reaction came from the Kaduna State Government. The means incorporate installing security specialists among herders to ensure them against furnished rustlers; fixing state lines to forestall trans-border convergence of rustlers; and, above all, embedding a PC central processor in the creatures to screen their developments and keep equipped scoundrels from taking them

[6]

. The Kaduna drive, named the "El-Rufai Model," addressed a proactive and pre-emptive methodology through the utilization of data and correspondence innovation

[10]

. State activities have enormously reduced the occurrence of cattle rustling as of late. In a few events, a huge number of cattle have been retrieved and gotten back to proprietors. For instance, starting on 7^th March 2016, the joint watch group set up by the Katsina Government recuperated 12,000 cows inside a couple of long stretches of activity

[3]

. Furthermore, various rustlers have been captured and arraigned. The security powers have additionally had the option to attack a portion of the rustlers' safe-houses, with the guidance of the tactical powers

[4]

Kenyan government through the police, the neighborhood local area, and the society has tried to manage cattle rustling issues in the pastoralist regions incorporating wiping of unlawful arms, organization of more personnel, harmony building and rebuilding, and removing illicit arms and domesticated animals exchange among different procedures

[1]

. The police have been one of the last and most intense components of social control called to mediate and control social conduct when other less serious and casual specialists of social control fail. Section 14 of the Police Act Chapter 84 laws of Kenya expresses the elements of Kenya's police power as support of the rule of law, conservation of harmony, assurance of life and property, identification and counteraction of wrongdoing, and implementation of law and order

[2]

. Rustling resembling some other wrongdoing causing issues and obliteration of life and property; it has been subsequently the obligation of the police to check it. Following the 1976 strike, the Kenya Police set up a GSU camp and a police headquarters in Tot. Furthermore, in the wake of the 1992 assault the Kenya Police set up an ASTU camp in Chesongoch and one camp at Mogil after the 2001 assault. The ASTU has the obligation of battling rustling in Kenya. Its officials are prepared to forestall, research, and arraign animal robbery cases including savage attacks

[5]

. They work in a joint effort with the GSU, Regular Police, Administration Police, and National Police Reservists (NPR). At whatever point the police in pastoralist regions embark to battle present-day intensely furnished rustlers. All the police units collaborate to stifle the rustlers who regularly assault on a huge scale

[8]

. The Kenyan security officers have on severally events directed demilitarization practices in pastoralist northern Kenya with blended outcomes

[13]

. The activities that have zeroed in on gathering all illicit guns from pastoralists have been both willful and strong. The intense demobilizations have been led together by the police and the military while the willful demilitarization is directed by the community organization and nearby local area pioneers. The public authority has likewise discovered helpful partners in this as nearby Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that convince local people to surrender unlawful guns to the public authority. Anyway, constrained demobilizations for the most part yield next to no outcomes contrasted with deliberate acquiescence of guns

[14]

The works of various writers in this section discussed decisively the effectiveness of security agencies in different countries and how they dealt with the menace of cattle rustling. They had also dealt with the various ways that they had used to curb the menace. What they had not told us however was whether the methods used could also prove fit if applied in developing countries like Kenya. They had not also told us whether the methods applied in Kenya had enabled security agencies to be effective or not which was a key concern for this research.

2. Purpose and Objectives of the Study

The purpose of the study was to investigate the efficacy of specialized security agencies on curbing cattle rustling in the Sotik and Borabu Sub-Counties in Kenya. The study was guided by the following objective:

Analyze how effective security agencies had been in curbing cattle rustling in Sotik and Borabu Sub-Counties in Kenya five years before and five years after the deployment.

3. Hypothesis

H₀1 Specialized security agencies have no statistically significant effect in curbing cattle rustling in Sotik and Borabu Sub-Counties in Kenya.

Conceptual Framework

The researchers in conceptualizing this study, considered the following variables. The independent variable was the effectiveness of specialized security agencies, the dependent variable was curbing cattle rustling. The intervening variable was literacy levels which can affect the study either positively or negatively.

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Figure 1. Conceptual Framework.

4. Methodology

A sequential exploratory mixed methods design was employed in this study. The study was conducted in the sub-counties of Sotik and Borabu - Kenya. The target population was the residents of the Sotik Sub-County who were over 18 years of age by the time of the research and had information regarding the topic under discourse. Their population was 284,379 from which a total of 156 respondents who participated were drawn. The sample was selected through purposive sampling. The questionnaire used was researcher-administered. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information about the effectiveness of specialized security agencies in curbing cattle rustling in the area of study. The questionnaire was administered to 156 residents. The questionnaire contained 4 items (indicators of specialized security agencies efficacy) and 2 items (indicators of curbing cattle rustling). The residents were asked whether or not they agreed with the statements under each indicator by ticking Strongly Disagree, Disagree, Not Sure, Agree, and Strongly Agree in the boxes that were provided.

5. Results

The following question and hypothesis were answered and tested respectively:

Specialized Security Agencies Presence in Sotik and Borabu Sub Counties

When asked whether the presence of security agencies was worthwhile, 87 percent agreed that it was indeed worthwhile while only 13 percent contended this. The information is shown in Figure 2. It can be deduced, therefore, that the majority were in consensus that security agencies' presence in the two sub-counties was worthwhile

Source: Field Data (2022)

Download: Download full-size image

Figure 2. Specialized security agencies' presence in the two sub-counties.

Effectiveness of Security Agencies in Sotik and Borabu Sub Counties

In this section, the effectiveness of security agencies five years before and five years after their deployment was compared using a paired sample t-test, and the output obtained is shown and translated below in Table 1. It was found that there was a statistically significant effectiveness of security agencies after their deployment in the Sotik and Borabu sub-counties. A P-value of.009 (sig 2-tailed test from the table) was produced which when compared to the 5% (.05) level of significance upon which it was tested, is much less. This then falls within the acceptance region of the 2-tailed test signifying that the specialized security agencies were very effective in curbing cattle rustling. The results were confirmed by the paired sample t-test which postulates that when doing a pared sample T-test and the value of T (in the table) falls within upper and lower limits then it means that what is being tested is not statistically significant while the opposite is the case. In this case, the value of t=3.777 (from the table) obtained in the analysis does not fall between the upper (.77388) and the lower limit (.20560) which therefore concludes that there was a positive change after the deployment of specialized security agencies. The reduction in cattle rustling cases has been attributed to efforts by the police such as frequent patrols along the boundaries, apprehension of rustlers, successful recovery of cattle cases, and frequent holding of security meetings between security agencies and the affected communities among others.

Table 1. Effectiveness of Security Agencies.

Paired Samples t-test
		Paired Differences					T	df	Sig. (2-tailed)
		Mean	Std. Deviation	Std. Error Mean	95% Confidence Interval of the Difference
		Mean	Std. Deviation	Std. Error Mean	Lower	Upper
Pair 1	AVESAFYA – AVESAFYB	.48974	.97653	.24036	.20560	.77388	3.777	38	.009

Source: Field Data (2022)

This finding is also supported by the following statements from one of the residents;

To be honest, I want to give credit to the security agencies deployed in our area. They have reduced the menace even if not completely halted it (Respondent 27).

The statement means that the reduction of cattle rustling cases can be attributed to the deployment of security agencies in their area. According to the respondent, it was only after the deployment of these security agencies that the menace of cattle rustling started to reduce. Another respondent said;

I have watched how these people work and operate, they are dedicated to their work, and hence the reason why the problem of cattle rustling is being ameliorated (Respondent 49).

The significant reduction of cattle rustling cases is a result of the dedication and commitment these security agencies have towards achieving their goal of eradicating the menace. The current study is in agreement with those findings by

[12]

who found that security agencies have had several available strategies to control cattle rustling about 87 percent of the respondents said police used intelligence gathering, stopping illegal arms, livestock trade, police arrest and prosecute offenders to control the vice.

Table 2. Effectiveness of Security Agencies (ESA) indicators and Curbing Cattle Rustling (CCR) in Sotik Sub-County.

Area of Residence	ESA	Pearson Correlation Coefficient Values	Sig. (2-tailed)
Sotik Sub-County	Public Awareness	.616^*	.032
	Number of Successful Recovery of cattle cases	-.521	. 406
	Personnel Response Rate	.339^*	.005
	Personnel Patrols	.547^*	.002
	Apprehension of Offenders	.255^*	.005

* - Means significant at 5% level Source: Field Data (2022)

Table 2 presents the analysis of the effectiveness of each independent variable indicator on the dependent variable which was curbing cattle rustling in Sotik Sub-County and the results are discussed below.

Whenever a P-value (sig 2-tailed test from the table) is found to be less than the 5 percent (.05) level of significance upon which it was tested means that the result is significant. In other words, a value less than.05 falls within the acceptance level in the 2-tailed test signifying that the result is statistically significant. In this case, all the indicators that were used to measure the effectiveness of specialized security agencies were significant in Sotik Sub-County except that of the number of successful recoveries which had a p-value of.406 being more than.05 (5 percent level of significance) hence not significant.

These quantitative findings were also supported by some of the following statements by key informants;

I think by police patrols in our area, these people become afraid of the same [CH1_Male_March, 2021_KII].

Police patrols work by instilling fear in the potential culprits such that they become afraid as they may not know when and at what time the police will pass by [CH5_Male_March, 2021_KII].

If our community members were to be aware of the negative consequences of this act, the majority would shun away from doing it. We need an awareness campaign regarding the harmful consequences of this act [CH4_Male_March, 2021_KII].

The community may not be aware of the harmful effects of the menace and as such creating awareness within the community would go a long way in attempting to reduce cattle rustling.

These findings contend with the findings of

[12]

in a study done in Tot Division, which gave the most effective ways used by police in reducing cattle rustling as intelligence gathering, and stopping illegal arms and livestock trade. Apprehension of offenders come as the most effective way of reducing cattle rustling according to the findings in Table 3.

Table 3. Correlation of ESA indicators with CCR in Borabu Sub-County.

Area of Residence	ESA	Pearson Correlation Coefficient Values	Sig. (2-tailed)
Borabu Sub-County	Public Awareness	.725^*	.035
	Number of Successful Recovery of cattle cases	.233^*	.007
	Personnel Response Rate	.481^*	.014
	Personnel Patrols	.668^*	.013
	Apprehension of Offenders	.333^*	.024

* - Means significant at 5% level

Table 3 presents the analysis of the effectiveness of each independent variable indicator on the dependent variable i.e., CCR in Borabu Sub-County, and the results discussed below.

Whenever a P-value (sig 2-tailed test from the table) is found to be less than the 5 percent (.05) level of significance upon which it was tested, it means that the result is significant. In other words, if a value less than .05 falls within the acceptance region in the 2-tailed test, it signifies that the result is statistically significant. In this case, all the indicators that were used to measthe ure effectiveness of specialized security agencies were significant in Borabu Sub-County owing to their p values (sig 2-tailed in the table) which were all less than .05). In summary, all the indicators which included public awareness, number of the successful recovery of cattle cases, personnel response rate personnel patrols and apprehension of offenders contributed to decreasing of cattle rustling in Borabu Sub County.

These quantitative findings were also supported by some of the following statements from key informants;

I would like to say that there is more to what meets the eye. In as much as the indicators listed here have greatly reduced the menace, other pertinent strategies that the security agencies use include continuous gathering of intelligence as well as disarmament or eradication of arms trade [SH1_Male_March, 2021_KII]

Apart from the identified indicators, there were other strategies such as intelligence gathering, dealing with arms trade as well and disarming those that illegally possess firearms among others as explained below.

I agree with that sentiment. Let me tell you as a matter of fact, in my area for instance, the cases of cattle rustling rose to 53 percent last year alone. The reasons attributed to this was quick personnel were quick personnel response rates and the stolen livestock even though challenges hindering their effectiveness are numerous [CH3_Male_March, 2021_KII].

The statements mean that the security agencies have been effective despite the various challenges subverting their effectiveness. Specifically, the reduction of these cattle rustling cases to 53 percent down from over 84 percent was a direct result of the speedy recovery of stolen livestock as well as the great personnel response rate whenever such incidences occur.

According to

[1]

, the various security agencies' strategies employed such as police patrols, recovery of stolen cattle, and burning of arms trade among others were quite effective and did adequately address the conditions that encourage cattle rustling among pastoralists. The findings of

[1]

are congruent with the findings of the present study which also found that the indicators were very much effective in reducing cattle rustling especially in Borabu.

Table 4. ESA in CCR in the two Sub-Counties.

Area of residence	ESA	CCR	Pearson Correlation Coefficient Values	Sig. (2-tailed)
Sotik Sub-County Borabu Sub-County			.558^*	.020
Sotik Sub-County Borabu Sub-County			.611^*	.048

* - Means significant at 5% level

Table 4 presents the analysis of the ESA on the dependent variable i.e., CCR in the Sotik and Borabu sub-counties, and the results are discussed below.

There was significant ESA in CCR in Sotik and Borabu sub-counties where the Pearson correlation coefficients were .558 and .611 (all-strong positive correlations) with the P-values less than .05. The coefficients (r) are strong which means that the more the effectiveness of security agencies then subsequent curbing of cattle rustling cases takes place and vice versa.

These quantitative findings were also supported by some of the following statements from key informants;

We are having a harmonious working relationship with each other. That has been our greatest source of strength and hence the reason we are succeeding in eradicating cattle rustling in Sotik and Borabu [SH2_Male_March, 2021_KII].

The statement means that the presence of good working relationships between various agencies has been one of the major pillars in reducing the menace of cattle rustling. In other words, working together among different agencies has enabled sensation for each other’s weaknesses. For instance, if the civilians have no power to arrest, the police come to do that, if the police lack information about some raids, the community can divulge information and lastly, if the police are not aware of the terrain, the locals can come in as guides to aid in hot pursuit of the rustlers.

You see if I was to be very honest. These people have assisted us a great deal. They have ensured that cases of cattle rustling are reduced by a bigger margin. I however would like to appeal on their behalf that they need to be provided with proper working equipment (Respondent 111).

The statement explains that specialized security agencies have played a critical role in ameliorating the menace of cattle rustling even with a lack of proper equipment to do their tasks.

The Security agencies deployed in Marakwet and Pokot have greatly reduced cattle rustling in the two communities

[9]

. According to Kiptoo, both the local community and police respondents said that the government set up a GSU camp and a police post in the two areas where the first-time raiders used firearms to steal cattle. All respondents added that the government deployed anti-stock theft unit officers and administration police officers to all chief’s camps and divisional headquarters which ended up reducing cattle rustling incidences. In a nutshell, the findings in the study agree with the findings of Kiptoo as both found security agencies to be effective in reducing cattle rustling among the Marakwet and Pokot as well as the Sotik and Borabu communities.

Combined Correlation of ESA and CCR in Sotik and Borabu Sub-Counties

In this section, the correlation of ESA in CCR in Sotik and Borabu Sub-Counties was tested and the results were discussed (See Table 5).

Table 5. ESA and CCR in Sotik and Borabu Sub-Counties (A General Analysis).

Area of residence	Effectiveness of Security Agencies (ESA)	Curbing Cattle Rustling (CCR)	Pearson Correlation Coefficient Values	Sig. (2-tailed)
Sotik and Borabu Sub-Counties			.652^*	.002

* - Means significant at 5% level

In the general analysis, Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient (r) of the independent variable i.e., ESA, and the dependent variable CCR is .652 and a P- the value of .002, which is less than .05. This means that there is a significant ESA in CCR in Sotik and Borabu Sub-Counties. The coefficient (r) is a strong positive correlation, which means that as security agencies become more effective the curbing of cattle rustling also increases significantly.

6. Conclusions

1) Specialized security agencies have demonstrated a significant role in reducing cattle rustling incidents, as indicated by a strong negative correlation between the presence of these agencies and the reported cases of rustling.

2) The analysis employing Pearson's correlation coefficient revealed a consistent pattern of decreased cattle rustling rates in regions with an increased presence of specialized security agencies, suggesting a substantial deterrent effect.

3) Regions with a history of high cattle rustling incidents exhibited noticeable improvements in livestock security when specialized security agencies were deployed, leading to a negative correlation between their presence and rustling rates.

4) The study provides empirical evidence supporting the efficacy of specialized security agencies in curbing cattle rustling, which has direct implications for the livestock industry, farmers, and the overall security situation in the affected areas.

5) These findings highlight the importance of sustained collaboration between law enforcement agencies and local communities, as well as the need for increased resource allocation to specialized security units in regions prone to cattle rustling.

7. Recommendations

1) Expand the presence and activities of specialized security agencies in regions with a history of high cattle rustling rates, focusing on areas with the highest correlation between agency presence and rustling reduction.

2) Establish community-based initiatives to enhance cooperation between specialized security agencies and local communities, including regular town hall meetings, community policing, and awareness campaigns to encourage reporting of rustling activities.

3) Implement targeted training programs for specialized security personnel to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge for addressing the unique challenges associated with cattle rustling.

4) Invest in modern surveillance technologies, such as drones, satellite imaging, and advanced communication systems, to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of specialized security agencies in monitoring and responding to cattle rustling incidents.

5) Develop and implement a comprehensive national strategy to combat cattle rustling, incorporating lessons learned from successful regions and employing a multi-pronged approach that includes law enforcement, and social, and economic interventions. This strategy should be informed by ongoing research and regular evaluation of the impact of specialized security agencies on cattle rustling rates.

Abbreviations

A STU	Anti-Stock Theft Unit
AVESAFYA	Average Effectiveness of Security Agencies Five Years After
AVESAFYB	Average Effectiveness of Security Agencies Five Years Before
CCR	Curbing Cattle Rustling
ESA	Effectiveness of Security Agencies
GSU	General Service Unit
NGOs	Non-Governmental Organizations
NPR	National Police Reservists
RBS TV	Rede Brasil Sul de Televisão

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

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Nyagwara, F. O., Ogutu, K. O. (2024). Efficacy of Specialized Security Agencies in Curbing Cattle Rustling in Sotik and Borabu Sub-Counties in Kenya. Social Sciences, 13(4), 89-97. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ss.20241304.12

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Nyagwara, F. O.; Ogutu, K. O. Efficacy of Specialized Security Agencies in Curbing Cattle Rustling in Sotik and Borabu Sub-Counties in Kenya. Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(4), 89-97. doi: 10.11648/j.ss.20241304.12

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Nyagwara FO, Ogutu KO. Efficacy of Specialized Security Agencies in Curbing Cattle Rustling in Sotik and Borabu Sub-Counties in Kenya. Soc Sci. 2024;13(4):89-97. doi: 10.11648/j.ss.20241304.12

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@article{10.11648/j.ss.20241304.12,
author = {Fredrick Okeyo Nyagwara and Kennedy Obumba Ogutu},
title = {Efficacy of Specialized Security Agencies in Curbing Cattle Rustling in Sotik and Borabu Sub-Counties in Kenya
},
journal = {Social Sciences},
volume = {13},
number = {4},
pages = {89-97},
doi = {10.11648/j.ss.20241304.12},
url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ss.20241304.12},
eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ss.20241304.12},
abstract = {Kenya has faced a wide scale threat of cattle rustling. The menace has been occurring mainly in counties populated by pastoralist groups including the Turkana, Samburu, Maasai, Pokot as well as Kipsigis and Kisii among others. People have been killed, their property lost; some mutilated, injured, and displaced. Security organizations such as the General Service Unit (GSU) and the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) among others were mobilized to help curb the danger of cattle rustling yet it has continued to occur in Kenya including Sotik and Borabu Sub counties. The purpose of this study was thus to investigate how effective security agencies were in curbing cattle rustling in the counties of Bomet and Nyamira, Kenya. This study therefore investigated the effectiveness of specialized security agencies in curbing cattle rustling in the Sotik and Borabu Sub-Counties in Bomet and Nyamira Counties in Kenya. A sequential exploratory mixed methods design was used. The target population was all the residents of Sotik and Borabu Sub-Counties (18 years and above) who had information regarding the topic under discourse. They were 284,379 in number. A total of 156 respondents participated. The respondents were drawn through purposive sampling. A questionnaire was used to gather quantitative information while key informant interview guides were used to gather qualitative information from the respondents. The hypothesis was tested using Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient (r) at α =0.05 level of significance. The results obtained from the two sub-counties determined that the deployment of specialized security agencies had a statistically significant effect on curbing cattle rustling. This means that before the deployment of security agencies, the frequency of cattle rustling was relatively high as compared to the periods after their deployment. The reduction was therefore attributed to the constant pursuit and deployment of specialized units such as the ASTU, GSU and Administration Police in the region. The study recommends that the national government should expand the presence and activities of specialized security agencies in regions with a history of high cattle rustling rates, focusing on areas with the highest correlation between agency presence and rustling reduction. The government should also implement targeted training programs for specialized security personnel to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge for addressing the unique challenges associated with cattle rustling.
},
year = {2024}
}

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TY - JOUR
T1 - Efficacy of Specialized Security Agencies in Curbing Cattle Rustling in Sotik and Borabu Sub-Counties in Kenya

AU - Fredrick Okeyo Nyagwara
AU - Kennedy Obumba Ogutu
Y1 - 2024/07/23
PY - 2024
N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ss.20241304.12
DO - 10.11648/j.ss.20241304.12
T2 - Social Sciences
JF - Social Sciences
JO - Social Sciences
SP - 89
EP - 97
PB - Science Publishing Group
SN - 2326-988X
UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ss.20241304.12
AB - Kenya has faced a wide scale threat of cattle rustling. The menace has been occurring mainly in counties populated by pastoralist groups including the Turkana, Samburu, Maasai, Pokot as well as Kipsigis and Kisii among others. People have been killed, their property lost; some mutilated, injured, and displaced. Security organizations such as the General Service Unit (GSU) and the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) among others were mobilized to help curb the danger of cattle rustling yet it has continued to occur in Kenya including Sotik and Borabu Sub counties. The purpose of this study was thus to investigate how effective security agencies were in curbing cattle rustling in the counties of Bomet and Nyamira, Kenya. This study therefore investigated the effectiveness of specialized security agencies in curbing cattle rustling in the Sotik and Borabu Sub-Counties in Bomet and Nyamira Counties in Kenya. A sequential exploratory mixed methods design was used. The target population was all the residents of Sotik and Borabu Sub-Counties (18 years and above) who had information regarding the topic under discourse. They were 284,379 in number. A total of 156 respondents participated. The respondents were drawn through purposive sampling. A questionnaire was used to gather quantitative information while key informant interview guides were used to gather qualitative information from the respondents. The hypothesis was tested using Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient (r) at α =0.05 level of significance. The results obtained from the two sub-counties determined that the deployment of specialized security agencies had a statistically significant effect on curbing cattle rustling. This means that before the deployment of security agencies, the frequency of cattle rustling was relatively high as compared to the periods after their deployment. The reduction was therefore attributed to the constant pursuit and deployment of specialized units such as the ASTU, GSU and Administration Police in the region. The study recommends that the national government should expand the presence and activities of specialized security agencies in regions with a history of high cattle rustling rates, focusing on areas with the highest correlation between agency presence and rustling reduction. The government should also implement targeted training programs for specialized security personnel to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge for addressing the unique challenges associated with cattle rustling.

VL - 13
IS - 4
ER -

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Fredrick Okeyo Nyagwara

School of Security, Diplomacy and Peace Studies, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya

Biography: Fredrick Okeyo Nyagwara is a distinguished scholar and dedicated law enforcement officer with over 15 years of exemplary service in the Kenya Police Service. His extensive experience and academic prowess have made him a respected authority in criminology, security management, and police studies. Rising through the ranks, Nyagwara currently holds the position of Chief Inspector. His career is marked by commitment, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of justice and security. Nyagwara is also a prolific writer, contributing insightful articles to academic journals and law enforcement publications on topics such as human rights, counter-terrorism strategies, and law enforcement training advancements. His unique blend of practical experience and academic excellence has significantly advanced the capabilities of the Kenya Police Service and improved regional safety and security. As a chief inspector and scholar, he continues to inspire the next generation of law enforcement professionals.

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3807-7471
Kennedy Obumba Ogutu

Department of Political Science and Public Administration, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

Biography: Kennedy Obumba Ogutu is an enigmatic figure in intelligence, investigations, and security. With a career shrouded in secrecy, he has made substantial contributions through his training programs and academic pursuits. His blend of practical experience and academic excellence makes him a formidable authority in security policies, investigative research, and cybercrime prevention. Working in a clandestine government department, Ogutu has played a pivotal role in disseminating knowledge on investigations and intelligence gathering. As a trainer, he has shaped the skills of individuals dedicated to national security, imparting the arts of investigations, intelligence gathering, and security protocols. Beyond his clandestine activities, Ogutu is a revered educator, having taught security and investigative research courses at institutions like the Kenya Institute of Security and Criminal Justice, Egerton University, Kisii University, and Tom Mboya University. As an accomplished scholar, his research has provided critical insights into security policies and cybercrime prevention.

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6438-140X

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APA Style

Nyagwara, F. O., Ogutu, K. O. (2024). Efficacy of Specialized Security Agencies in Curbing Cattle Rustling in Sotik and Borabu Sub-Counties in Kenya. Social Sciences, 13(4), 89-97. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ss.20241304.12

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ACS Style

Nyagwara, F. O.; Ogutu, K. O. Efficacy of Specialized Security Agencies in Curbing Cattle Rustling in Sotik and Borabu Sub-Counties in Kenya. Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(4), 89-97. doi: 10.11648/j.ss.20241304.12

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AMA Style

Nyagwara FO, Ogutu KO. Efficacy of Specialized Security Agencies in Curbing Cattle Rustling in Sotik and Borabu Sub-Counties in Kenya. Soc Sci. 2024;13(4):89-97. doi: 10.11648/j.ss.20241304.12

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TY - JOUR
T1 - Efficacy of Specialized Security Agencies in Curbing Cattle Rustling in Sotik and Borabu Sub-Counties in Kenya

VL - 13
IS - 4
ER -

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