The Impact of Cattle Rustling on People with Disabilities in Kenya: Socioeconomic Challenges and Policy Implications

Abstract: Cattle rustling, a significant issue in various regions, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia, has profound impacts beyond immediate economic and social disruptions. The population that bears the brunt are the people with disabilities (PWD), a group often marginalized in discussions of rural and economic development. Through a multidisciplinary approach, including socioeconomic analysis and human rights perspectives, this study aims to shed light on how cattle rustling exacerbates the vulnerabilities of PWD, affecting their economic stability, social inclusion, and access to services. Cattle rustling has been a persistent issue in many developing regions, with severe implications for the affected communities. While much attention has been given to the broader impacts on rural economies and social stability, the specific effects on people with disabilities (PWD) have not been thoroughly examined. This paper addresses this gap by analyzing how cattle rustling exacerbates the vulnerabilities of PWD, focusing on economic, social, and rights-based dimensions. Cattle rustling, a persistent issue in Kenya's pastoral and agro-pastoral regions, has far-reaching consequences beyond immediate economic losses and communal tensions. This paper investigates the specific impacts of cattle rustling on people with disabilities (PWD) in Kenya. By examining economic hardships, social exclusion, and access to services, this study highlights the compounded vulnerabilities faced by PWD in the context of cattle rustling. Through qualitative analyses, this research aims to inform policy and intervention strategies that address the unique needs of PWD affected by this socio-economic challenge. Cattle rustling has long been a challenge in Kenya, particularly in the pastoralist regions where livestock play a critical role in the economy and social fabric. While the broader impacts of cattle rustling are well-documented, the specific consequences for people with disabilities (PWD) have not been extensively studied. This paper aims to fill this gap by exploring how cattle rustling exacerbates the vulnerabilities of PWD in Kenya, with a focus on economic, social, and access-related issues.