Personal security and criminal victimization : case of Kajiado County, Kenya
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Date
2024-11
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Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
This study investigates why some individuals experience higher levels of criminal victimisation than others and how this affects their personal security. The specific objectives of the study were
to examine the mechanisms through which individuals contribute to criminal victimisation, evaluate the individual’s risk factors that influence victimisation, assess the efficacy of personal
security mechanisms and finally establish the challenges encountered in the community when reducing criminal victimisation. This study is premised on four theories of victimology that
emphasise victim precipitation, lifestyle, deviant place, and routine activities, all of which explain why a person may be victimised. The target population consisted among others, adults who were directly affected by the presence or absence of personal security, as well as those who influenced their degree of criminal victimisation. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design, which allowed the researcher to obtain information from different sets of populations at the same time. The target population was sampled both randomly and purposively. The sample distribution for the participants was determined by the 2017 voters register because the register for 2022 was still in the process of being compiled. Data collection instruments included questionnaires, key informant interview guide, Focused Group Discussion guide and observation checklist. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to select the respondents who participated in the study. The content and construct validity of the research instruments were determined using a pilot study and review of empirical and theoretical literature, respectively. The study findings were that victim facilitation helps criminal victimisation, and that the residents should be educated more on the causes of crime to enable them to avoid facilitation. Additionally, individuals should understand the risk factors that contribute to their victimisation and make necessary changes to their lifestyles. Furthermore, implementing effective ways to control victimisation is essential for crime prevention. When it comes to engaging community people in crime reduction efforts, the government could emphasise the importance of individuals recognising their responsibility in lowering their vulnerability to crime. The study concluded that there was a need to consider putting in place personal security measures that are necessary to alter the nature of the environment from unsafe to safe, which were major causes of criminal victimisation. The study suggested that there is a need for further studies on crime prevention measures to enable the reduction of criminal victimisation. It is important to learn the technique applied by handlers living within the community, who play a big role in making individual persons appreciate other people’s desires by avoiding committing crime.
Description
A research thesis submitted to the school of law, arts And social science in fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of doctor of philosophy in security studies of Kenyatta University, November 2024
Supervisors
Dr. Steven Handa
Dr. Cyprian M. Kavivya