This archive report was first published on 19 November 2019.
Meru County is struggling to combat cattle rustling due to a poor communication network in the northern part of the county. According to Meru County Commander Patrick Lumumba, the lack of telecommunication boosters has hindered efforts to curb the theft of livestock.
Speaking after a mission to recover over 100 goats and sheep stolen from Antubetwe Kiongo in Igembe North, Lumumba said that the security team had done well to recover stolen livestock in Igembe and over 60 goats in Subuiga. However, he noted that poor communication infrastructure had made it impossible for livestock owners and security personnel to work together effectively.
"There is no telephone network in large areas of Nyambene (Igembe and Tigania). It takes a long time for residents to relay news of livestock theft to us. We are also challenged because we cannot communicate effectively with our security personnel who go after the raiders," Lumumba said.
He added that the campaign against livestock theft would be easier if telecommunication boosters were installed in the region, which is used by the attackers who are armed with modern rifles. Lumumba said that if residents reported theft immediately, the security team could launch an operation to pursue the attackers and seal escape routes.
"But it becomes difficult when a raid is reported three hours after the raiders have left," Lumumba said.
