Proliferation of Criminal Gangs and Personal Security in Nairobi City County, Kenya
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Date
2022-11
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Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
The proliferation of criminal gangs negatively impacts on personal security of people living
in urban arcas. Over the years, the presence of gangs has been reported in urban areas with
the number of gangs and gang members increasing. This study focused on the proliferation of
gangs and its impacts on personal security. The main objective of this study was to explore
the proliferation of criminal gangs in Nairobi City County and personal security. The specific
objectives were to; explore reasons for proliferation of criminal gangs in Nairobi City
County, establish the effect of the proliferation of criminal gangs™ activities on personal
security in Nairobi City County and asses the effectiveness of the strategies used in
combating criminal gangs’ activities in Nairobi City County. The study was guided by social
disorganization theory and social bonding theories. Descriptive survey design where both
quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection were used through the application of
questionnaires and personal interviews. A total 120 respondents from a sample size of 400
were involved. The study used both purposive and stratified random sampling procedures and
the pilot testing was conducted in Ruiru Sub-County. Primary data from the participants was
obtained using open and close ended questionnaires while qualitative data was obtained by
conducting interviews. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics aided by
SPSS software version 25, while the qualitative data is presented using illustrative quotes
comprising of verbatim and narratives and the data analysed using a deductive approach. The
study found out that the reasons for the proliferation of criminal gangs in Nairobi City
County were; high unemployment rate, the growth of informal settlement, police corruption
and inefficiency, selfish political interests, poverty, inequalities in education and
employment, peer pressure, poor parenting and the increased access to drugs and illegal arms
in the city. Likewise, there has been an increase in police associated shootings in urban
settings. the number of violent crimes and muggings, drug trafficking and abuse, mob
injustice cases on suspected robbers and gang members. Consequently, this has increased the
crime rate against people in urban centres across the country, hence diminishing the personal
security of city residents. The study also concluded that the evaluation of the effectiveness of
implemented strategies is program-specific and should depend on the specific program
implemented. However, the current strategies used by the Police Service are ineffective in
addressing the growing criminal gangs and coercive means as tools to address violent
criminal gangs are ineffective and unlawful, the collaboration between the society and the
police service to promote the reform of youths from criminal gangs and surrender of any
weapons is an effective tool for addressing the proliferation of criminal gangs in urban areas.
The study recommended the provision of sustainable jobs for the youths, improving informal
settlements and slums in the city, improve police working conditions and eradicate
corruption, prosecution of political patrons, parents to be responsible and the government to
focus more on developmental strategies rather than coercive strategies.
Description
A Research Project Submitted to the School Of Security, Diplomacy and Peace Studies in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Masters in Security Management and Police Studies of Kenyatta University, November, 2022