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Abstract
This paper explores the puzzle of why the pastoral Maasai of Kajiado, Kenya, supported the
individualization of their collectively held group ranches, an outcome that is inconsistent with
theoretical expectation. Findings suggest that individuals and groups will seek to alter property
rights in their anticipation of net gains from a new assignment, even as they seek to eliminate
disadvantages that were present in the status quo property rights structure. Heightened
perceptions of impending land scarcity, failures of collective decision making, the promise of
new income opportunities and the possibility of accessing capital markets motivated individuals
to support group ranch subdivision. More importantly individuals were confronted with a
declining security of tenure over their lands. Their supporting a transition to individual rights
also represents a rational response anticipated to secure land claims against unauthorized
appropriations by both Maasai and non-Maasai elite. Given the differentiated structure of group
ranch communities, the costs and benefits of property transformation were unevenly distributed.
The political process yielded beneficial outcomes for those with access to decision making, while
creating vulnerabilities for those with less access such as women, the youth and poor herders.