Emergence of Criminal Activities among Rural-Urban Migrants in Kibra Informal Settlement in Kenya
Loading...
Date
2021
Authors
Muke, Vitalis Lumbasi
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Rural-urban migration is the movement of individual changes from his/her domicile to urban centres. While migration can be viewed as development to some individuals it means change of lifestyle and a push factor to joining gangs due to financial obligations. This study was informed by the crime pattern theory and routine activities theory, which explore factors for emergence of criminal activities in informal settlement. While numerous studies have explored causes of gangs’ growth and crime in informal settlements, few studies have tried to explain the influence of rural-migration on the rise of criminal activities in informal settlements. Thus, this study sought to explore the link between rural-urban migration and the emergence of criminal activities in informal settlements of Kibra from the perspective of the civilian residents, leaders, recent migrants, and the community policing administration from Kibra informal settlements. The study employed the routine activity theory by Chen and Felson 1979 and crime pattern theory by Bratingham 2008. Descriptive research design was used, and the researcher employed both qualitative and quantitative methods for data collection. The study sampled 100 residents from Kibra using simple random sampling, businessmen, women, administration police and local leaders were the key informants for this study. Questionnaire was the primary tool for data collection; key informant interview and focused group discussion were utilized in data collection. SPSS version 23.0 was used to analyze quantitave data while qualitative data were summarized and triangulated within major findings. Data was presented using tables, graphs, and quotes. The study found that poverty, level of education, source of income and type of family setup influenced criminal activities among the rural urban immigrants in Kibra.The main source of income for rural urban immigrants in Kibra was casual/wage employment and informal businesses. The study found that there was a significance relationship between criminal activities and rural urban migration. However, the influence of rural-urban migration on emergence of criminal activities was not to a great extent as indicated by 48.2% respondents. Other factors such as the environment, poor parenting, support from security organizations, religious beliefs and unemployment played a key role in emergence of criminal activities among the rural urban immigrants in Kibra. Influx of rural urban immigrants into Kibra and other informal settlements continue to pose a threat to the national security. Thus the study recommends need for job creation, development of rural areas to prevent overcrowding in urban cities and sensitization of parents in the informal settlement to reduce criminal activities among their children.
Description
A Research Project Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts in Peace and Conflict Management in the School of Security, Diplomacy and Peace Studies of Kenyatta University, January, 2021
Keywords
Emergence, Criminal Activities, Rural-Urban Migrants, Kibra Informal Settlement, Kenya