| dc.description.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 | en_US |
