Kilimo, David YegoHamasi Linnet2024-11-042024-11-042024-07Kilimo, D. Y & Hamasi, L. (2024). Dynamics of Cross-County Invasions and Implications on SocioEconomic development of Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya. Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies, 8(7), 314 - 335.https://kenyasocialscienceforum.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pdf-kilimo-hamasi-dynamics-of-cross-county-invasions-and-implication-on-development-of-elgeyo-marakwet-county-kenya.pdfhttps://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/29304ArticleThis study aimed at establishing the implication of cross-county invasions on socio-economic development in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to: determine the dynamics of cross-county invasions in Elgeyo Marakwet County and to identify the viable intervention strategies for sustainable peace and socio-economic development. The study was anchored on Collier and Hoeffler’s Greed and Grievance Theory which postulates that natural resources increase the likelihood of conflict onset and duration as interested parties compete. The target population were the people working or domiciling in Elgeyo Marakwet County who had experienced ramifications of cross-county invasions. The sample size comprised the population domiciled in Endo Ward, which had witnessed past, recurring and stark levels of cross-county attacks in addition to being contiguous to the volatile counties of Baringo and West Pokot. The study employed the purposive sampling technique, which ensured that information-rich respondents were reached for data collection and for effective utilization of finite resources given the security and terrain challenges. Data was gathered both quantitatively and qualitatively from primary and secondary sources through semi-structured questionnaires, one-on-one interviews with key informants, Focused Group Discussions (FGDs), observation and document analysis. The study found out that cross-county invasions usually occurred in the study area with the leading crime being cattle rustling and outright banditry. Additionally, fight over finite natural resources especially land, water and pasture together with appalling proliferation of illicit weapons exacerbated these attacks. The main source of these illicit weapons was the neighbouring countries and counties notably South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan and Uganda. Locally, the leading distributors were Baringo, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Isiolo and Marsabit in that order. The study concluded that the Socio-economic status of the people of the study area was low due to massive displacement, deaths, breakdown of public and social services, unemployment, illiteracy and low-income levels. The study recommended that there is need for pursuit of cultural dialogue through reconciliatory and peace meetings to encourage co-existence.enArticle