The main question that the research set out to answer is “what livelihood opportunities are lost to people when they spend their time and resources managing water- related conflicts?” To answer the research question, the study aimed to understand the socio-economic characteristics of the study area; governance of water resources; water-related conflicts and their management; and to analyze relatio [...] Reduction in the number of livestock through raids (66 per cent); loss of life and property; lack of water; degeneration of social relationships; forced migration of families and livestock; negative psychological and social impact of death; closure of the borehole; and intensified insecurity leading to reduced outdoor activities; among others—these are serious implications to a people already expe [...] The objective is to contribute to the understanding of the root causes of conflicts in arid and semi-arid lands, attempts made by local people, the government and other development agencies to manage the conflicts; resources required to sustain a conflict at the expense of other immediate needs within households; and the impact of conflicts on the people’s assets and capabilities to sustain pastor [...] The district was purposely selected because it is the largest district in the arid and semi-arid lands, and is one of the most sparsely populated and least developed areas of Kenya. [...] The size and area covered by the district and the population of the district necessitated the use of sampling in the research process.