Assessing The Effects of Government Security Strategies on Pastoralist for Sustainable Livelihoods in Pokot Central Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

This study assessed the effects of governments security strategies on the sustainable livelihoods of pastoralist communities in Pokot Central Sub-County, West Pokot County, Kenya. Pastoralism, a central economic and cultural practice, has been persistently threatened by cattle rustling, banditry, and intercommunal conflicts that undermine resilience and development. Globally and regionally, pastoralists in arid and semi -arid lands (ASALs) face similar insecurity challenges, compounded by weak governance and environmental pressures. In Kenya, the government has implemented various security measures-including disarmament, military operations, community policing, and peace committees-yet their effectiveness remains contested. The study adopted a mixed -methods design, integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches to capture both statistical and experiential perspectives. A target population of 400 households was set, with 340 valid responses obtained, representing an 85 per cent response rate. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) through descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and regression analysis, while qualitative data from key informant interviews and focus group discussions were analyzed thematically. The research was guided by Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (Scoones, 1998) and Social Capital Theory (Putnam, 2000), which together explained the interactions between security, assets, and social networks in shaping pastoral resilience. Findings revealed that security strategies combined coercive measures-such as disarmament and armed patrols-with participatory approaches, including National Police Reservists (NPRs), peace committees, and community policing. Coercive measures achieved short-term stability but often eroded trust, disrupted livelihoods, and weakened traditional governance. Conversely, participatory strategies enhanced collaboration, reduced livestock theft, and improved market access and community cohesion. Specifically, 71 per cent of respondents reported reduced livestock losses, 63.5 per cent cited better market access, while 34.8 per cent noted gains in livelihood diversification. The study concluded that sustainable peace and livelihoods require balancing enforcement with local participation and cultural sensitivity. It recommended strengthening community policing and peace committees, reforming disarmament into trust-based approaches, and integrating livelihood diversification within security policies. Overall, the findings underscored that inclusive, community-driven security interventions foster more lasting peace, economic stability, and resilience in pastoralist areas.