Influence of cattle rustling on pupils’ participation in primary education in Makutani division of Marigat district, Baringo county, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of cattle rustling on pupils’ participation in primary education in Makutani division of Marigat district, Baringo County, Kenya. The study was guided by four objectives that focused on the influence of cattle rustling on pupil enrolment, retention, promotion from class to class and pupils’ participation in education. The study targeted all the 22 primary schools where the head teachers, teachers, PTAs and Chiefs were to participate in the study The study embraced descriptive survey design and data was collected using questionnaires and interview guide. The data was analysed using SPSS and presented by use of graphs and charts. Through data analysis the study established that the poor academic performance of pupils in Marigat division is as a result of cattle rustling which is prevalent in the area. The study established that when cattle rustling occurs pupils perform dismally in their examinations because rustling contributes to high pupils’ absenteeism from school, teachers’ absenteeism for fear of being killed, lack of concentration of pupils when in class as they fear to be killed, loss of property and lives, hence affecting pupils performance in examinations. Such experiences would most likely affect pupils’ concentration on their studies which would be reflected on poor academic performance. The study also established that cattle rustling affect enrolments in primary schools by making parents of the children in school keep on migrating from one place to another, enrolment is also affected by some children opting to stay at home for fear of being attacked as they go to school. The absence of teachers at school during the time of cattle rustling also make pupils not attend school because there is no one to teach them. The lack of school fees attributed to stolen animals affects enrolment because pupils cannot be able to buy school materials such as uniform or pay for other levies required in school. The death of parents also affects enrolment because elder children stay at home to take care of the young ones due to orphanage. On retention rate, the study established that there are low retention rates in primary schools in Makutani division due to frequent interruption of school system. Based on the findings of this study it is recommended that; The government should eradicate black market for cattle to reduce cases of cattle rustling as this is brought about by the commercialization of animals. In order to improve the situation on the area the government in partnership with Non-Governmental Organizations should set up more boarding schools to shorten the distance and improve on security by building police camps near the boarding schools. The warriors should be enlightened to stop the practice of cattle rustling as it causes teacher and pupils’ absenteeism, damage of school facilities, hence disrupting learning. All security agencies and relevant line ministries should collaborate with each other and with key education stake holders to ensure that the conflicts are promptly and effectively resolved. Further studies can be carried out in order to establish remedies to cattle rustling in Makutani division, Marigat district