Prevalent Crime Trends among Youths in Kibera Slum, Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

The current modernity is largely defined by urbanization, which is characterized by rural to urban migration that has put pressure on urban spaces in terms of housing and amenities. One of the upshots of this development is the increase in crime rates, which disproportionately affect residents living in the informal settlements within the urban areas. This study looked at the prevalence of youth criminality in Kibera slum in Nairobi County. The study sought to understand the most prevalent types of crimes committed by youths in the slum and the socio-economic factors that contribute to those criminal activities. The study also examined how gangs and peer pressure influence youth involvement in criminal activity in Kibera and, the extent the existing programs in Kibera were effective in preventing youth crime. The social disorganization theory and the social learning theory informed the understanding of how the key variables in the study relate, subsequently guiding the suitability of the recommended intervention. The study adopted the mixed methods approach in collecting and analyzing data in which questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used. A quantitative sample of 100 respondents was determined using stratified sampling and simple random sampling and was engaged through the self-administered questionnaires. A qualitative sample of 30 participants was determined using purposive sampling and was engaged through the semi-structured interviews. The quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics whereas the qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. The study found that youth in the Kibera slum are pushed into crime by economic hardships since they are compelled to find alternative ways of earning a living. The key driver of youth criminality in Kibera included poverty, lack of education, unemployment, peer pressure, and gang influence. The most prevalent criminal activities amongst the youth include petty theft, fights, and drug-related activities, which they engage in for survival rather than intent. Gang involvement was rather less common amongst the youth, even though insecurity remained a major concern to them with many of them feeling unsafe in their neighborhood.