Prevalent Crime Trends Among Youths in Kibera Slum Nairobi, Kenya

• In Event: Testing and Extending General Strain Theory

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. The study focused on the surge of youth criminality in Nairobi's Kibera slum, attributing urbanization and the consequential rural to urban migration as a significant stressor on urban infrastructure, exacerbating crime rates, particularly in informal settlements. The research aimed to identify prevalent crimes among the youth, the socio-economic drivers behind these crimes, and the impact of gangs and peer influence. Utilizing both social disorganization and social learning theories to frame the analysis, the study employed mixed methods for data collection using questionnaires for a quantitative sample of 100 and semi-structured interviews for a qualitative sample of 30. Analysis revealed that economic desperation, driven by poverty, unemployment, and lack of education, leads youths to commit crimes like petty theft, fights, and drug-related activities, primarily for survival rather than out of criminal intent. Despite the common perception of gang dominance, actual gang involvement appeared limited, though the sense of insecurity among the youth was profound, highlighting their feeling of unsafety in their own community.

Authors

• John Ndikaru, The Technical University of Kenya

• Kevin Opondo, The Technical University of Kenya