INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)  
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XII December 2025  
Prevalent Crime Trends among Youths in Kibera Slum, Nairobi,  
Kenya  
Kevin Opondo Okoth., *Prof. John Ndikaru wa Teresia  
The Technical University of Kenya, Department of Liberal Development and International Studies,  
Nairobi, Kenya  
*Correspondance Author  
DOI: https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.91200073  
Received: 14 December 2025; Accepted: 21 December 2025; Published: 31 December 2025  
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. Aquantitative 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.  
INTRODUCTION  
The major effect of urbanization on societies has been the increased rural-to-urban migration with people,  
especially the youth, seeking better opportunities. Notably, the trends of the urban population are expected to  
grow exponentially across the globe in the coming decades (Kuddus et al., 2020). This rapid expansion is  
characterized by the proliferation of informal settlements, which are commonly referred to as slums (Agyabeng  
et al., 2022). Slums are often overcrowded and lack essential services such as clean water, sanitation, and proper  
housing (Agyabeng et al., 2022; Sekhani et al., 2022). Residents in slums grapple with a myriad socio-economic  
challenges including poverty, unemployment, and limited access to education and healthcare (Kuddus et al.,  
2020). Subsequently, these conditions create an environment where crime, particularly among young people, has  
become inevitable (Agyabeng et al., 2022).  
The strong link between economic hardship and criminal behavior among youth is evident in extant literature  
(Agyabeng et al., 2022; Atrey & Singh, 2024; Kuddus et al., 2020). In particular, youth in slums lack access to  
quality education and formal employment, which predispose them to socioeconomic difficulties that make  
criminality attractive to them (Abhishek & Balamurugan, 2024). Many youth growing in these contexts are also  
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)  
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue XII December 2025  
exposed to violence from an early age, whether through family struggles (Atrey & Singh, 2024), gang activity,  
or conflicts within their communities (Abhishek & Balamurugan, 2024; Ullman et al., 2024). According to  
Abhishek & Balamurugan, (2024) such exposure often normalizes violent behavior and increases the likelihood  
of criminal involvement. Past studies have consistently found that children who experience poverty and social  
disadvantage are at a higher risk of engaging in criminal activities later in life (Agyabeng et al., 2022; Atrey &  
Singh, 2024; Ullman et al., 2024).  
The impact of these challenges is evident in many cities worldwide, including those in developing nations  
(Agyabeng et al., 2022; Sekhani et al., 2022; Ullman et al., 2024). In Kenya, for instance, crime is a significant  
issue in informal settlements, particularly in Nairobi’s slums. The high crime rates can be attributed to a  
combination of economic hardship (Mbogo, 2022), lack of opportunities (Ouma & wa Teresia, 2024), and  
exposure to criminal activity from a young age (Kibichii & Mwaeke, 2024). Youths growing up in such  
environments may view crime as a means of survival, especially when legal employment opportunities are  
scarce. This study was conducted in Kibra slum in Nairobi County.  
Kibra is the largest informal settlement in Nairobi and one of the biggest slums in Africa (Mbogo, 2022; Ouma  
& wa Teresia, 2024). The slum life at Kibra provide a key example of how socio-economic conditions influence  
youth crime. With a population exceeding 250,000 people living in a highly congested space, Kibra residents  
face extreme poverty and struggle to meet their daily needs (Ouma & wa Teresia, 2024). Since employment  
opportunities are limited in the Kenyan economy, many people rely on informal jobs such as street vending,  
casual labor, or small-scale businesses (Kibichii & Mwaeke, 2024). Besides, the lack of access to formal  
education and vocational training has compelled the young to seek alternatives for earning a living. The  
combination of economic hardship, overcrowding, and social instability makes them more vulnerable to  
engaging in criminal activities such as theft, drug trafficking, and gang violence. This study, therefore,  
acknowledged youth criminality as a reality in Kibra slum. The study, however, sought to understand the most  
prevalent forms of criminal activities that youth in Kibra slum engage in. The study was, therefore, guided by  
the following research questions:  
i.  
What are the most prevalent types of crimes committed by youths in Kibera?  
ii.  
How do socio-economic factors, such as poverty and lack of education, contribute to youth crime in  
Kibera?  
iii.  
iv.  
In what ways do gangs and peer pressure influence youth involvement in criminal activity in Kibera?  
To what extent are existing programs in Kibera effective in preventing youth crime?  
Statement of the Problem  
Urban slums in Africa, particularly Kibera in Nairobi, Kenya, are marked by extreme poverty, inadequate  
infrastructure, and limited access to formal employment (Kibichii & Mwaeke, 2024; Ouma & wa Teresia, 2024;  
Wado et al., 2022). These conditions create an environment where crime, especially among the youth, thrives  
(Ouma & wa Teresia, 2024; Wado et al., 2022). Recent reports indicate a concerning rise in youth involvement  
in criminal activities, which present serious threats to social stability, community well-being, and law  
enforcement efforts (Ouma & wa Teresia, 2024; Wanyama, 2022). Notably, despite the gravity of this issue, there  
is a significant gap in research focusing specifically on youth crime trends within Kibera. Most existing studies  
examine urban crime broadly or fail to account for the unique socio-economic dynamics that drive youth  
criminality in slum settings (Kibichii & Mwaeke, 2024; Wa Teresia, 2022; Wado et al., 2022; Wanyama, 2022).  
As a result, policy responses have often been reactive rather than preventive, lacking the necessary empirical  
foundation to inform effective crime reduction strategies (Omboi, 2020). This study seeks to address this research  
gap by analyzing youth crime trends in Kibera, identifying socio-economic factors contributing to criminal  
behavior, and evaluating the effectiveness of current interventions.  
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LITERATURE REVIEW  
Theoretical Framework  
The study adopted the social disorganization theory was used to understand the relationship between youth  
criminality in Kibera slum.  
Social Disorganization Theory  
The social disorganization theory seeks to explain how criminality emerges in communities characterized by  
factors including weak social structures, limited economic opportunities, and low levels of social cohesion  
(Brisman et al., 2018). The theory suggests that neighborhoods that have reported high poverty rates, residential  
instability, and ethnic diversity normally struggle to maintain social order (Kubrin & Weitzer, 2024); which  
eventually translate into increased criminal activities (Brisman et al., 2018). The theory further posits that crime  
is not necessarily a result of individual behavior; it is rather a function of environmental conditions that weaken  
traditional social controls (Errol et al., 2021; Kubrin & Weitzer, 2024).  
The theory was developed in the early 20th century by Clifford Shaw and Henry McKay (Brisman et al., 2018;  
Errol et al., 2021); and emerged from their study of crime patterns in Chicago (Brisman et al., 2018). These  
scholars observed that certain urban areas consistently had high crime rates despite changes in the population  
(Brisman et al., 2018). The neighborhoods in these areas were characterized by economic deprivation, unstable  
family structures, and a lack of community involvement (Errol et al., 2021) which resulted in weakened informal  
social controls that typically regulate behavior (Kubrin & Weitzer, 2024).  
The theory was applicable for understanding youth crime in Kibera slum, Nairobi. Notably, the slum faces  
significant socio-economic challenges, which include extreme poverty, unemployment, and inadequate social  
services. These are some of the salient factors the theory posits to weaken family structures, schools, and local  
institutions that typically guide and regulate youth behavior. The inadequate opportunities for education and  
employment, invariably predispose the youth in the slum to criminal influences, such as gangs and drug-related  
activities. Furthermore, the lack of effective law enforcement and community policing exacerbates insecurity,  
making crime a more accessible means of survival for some youths.  
Empirical Review  
Youth crime in Kenya’s urban slums has become a significant concern, particularly in settlements such as Kibera  
in Nairobi and Mathare (Elfversson & Höglund, 2019; Mwanza, 2023; Wado et al., 2022). These densely  
populated informal settlements are characterized by extreme poverty (Kubende & Ocharo, 2024; Mwanza, 2023;  
Winter et al., 2022), inadequate infrastructure (Kiplagat, 2021; Kubende & Ocharo, 2024; Wa Teresia, 2022),  
and limited access to essential services (Kibichii & Mwaeke, 2024; Mwanza, 2023; Wado et al., 2022).  
According to Kubende & Ocharo, (2024) the challenging socio-economic conditions within these environments  
often push young people toward criminal activities as a means of social mobility or survival.  
Extant literature reveals several key socio-economic factors contribute to the rising crime rates among the youth  
in these slum areas. One of the most prominent factors is poverty and economic hardship (Kiplagat, 2021;  
Kubende & Ocharo, 2024; Wa Teresia, 2022; Wado et al., 2022). Many families in slums live below the poverty  
line, and thus struggle to afford basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare (Kibichii & Mwaeke, 2024;  
Ouma & wa Teresia, 2024; Winter et al., 2022). Wa Teresia, (2022) note that with few employment opportunities  
available, many young people in the slums have resorted to crime as a means of financial survival. Due to this,  
petty theft, burglary, drug dealing, and violent crime have emerged as alternatives to legitimate employment  
(Kibichii & Mwaeke, 2024; Kubende & Ocharo, 2024; Mwanza, 2023; Wado et al., 2022), especially as formal  
job opportunities continue to remain scarce or inaccessible to these youths due to lack of education and skills  
(Elfversson & Höglund, 2019; Ouma & wa Teresia, 2024). The youth are also pressured to provide for  
themselves and their families, and are thus compelled to engage in criminal activities, which further reinforce a  
cycle of poverty and crime (Kibichii & Mwaeke, 2024; Kubende & Ocharo, 2024; Wa Teresia, 2022; Winter et  
al., 2022).  
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Closely linked to poverty is unemployment and lack of economic opportunities (Elfversson & Höglund, 2019;  
Kiplagat, 2021; Wa Teresia, 2022). According to Winter et al., (2022), many young people in slums face  
significant barriers to securing meaningful employment, and this is primarily due to limited education and  
vocational training. Besides, even those youths who attain basic education often find it difficult to compete in  
Kenya’s competitive job market, where formal employment opportunities are scarce (Mwanza, 2023; Wa  
Teresia, 2022; Winter et al., 2022). As a result, frustration and desperation drive them towards illegal activities,  
such as robbery, gang involvement, and illicit trade (Kibichii & Mwaeke, 2024; Kubende & Ocharo, 2024; Wado  
et al., 2022). Therefore, without viable economic alternatives, crime has become an appealing, though dangerous,  
option for economic survival for the youth engaging in criminality (Kibichii & Mwaeke, 2024; Wado et al.,  
2022).  
Another critical factor associated with youth criminality is inadequate education and school dropout rates  
(Kibichii & Mwaeke, 2024; Kubende & Ocharo, 2024; Mwanza, 2023; Wa Teresia, 2022; Wado et al., 2022).  
According to Kibichii & Mwaeke, (2024) many children in slums face obstacles in accessing quality education  
due to high school fees. They also lack learning materials, and are compelled to contribute to family income at  
an early age. Due to this, school dropout rates remain high (Kibichii & Mwaeke, 2024; Kiplagat, 2021; Winter  
et al., 2022), which leaves most of these youth without the necessary skills or qualifications to secure legal  
employment (Kubende & Ocharo, 2024; Ouma & wa Teresia, 2024; Wado et al., 2022). The limited access to  
education, predisposes these youths to recruitment into criminal groups, drug trafficking rings, and gangs that  
promise quick financial rewards (Wa Teresia, 2022; Wado et al., 2022).  
Family instability and weak parental guidance also play a crucial role in pushing young people toward criminal  
activities (Elfversson & Höglund, 2019; Kubende & Ocharo, 2024; Wa Teresia, 2022; Winter et al., 2022).  
Kibichii & Mwaeke, (2024) found that most slum households experience challenges such as single-parenthood,  
domestic violence, substance abuse, and absentee parents. The lack of robust family support and positive role  
models denies the young people social and emotional support that they need to resist turning to their peers and  
criminal gangs for a sense of belonging and identity (Kubende & Ocharo, 2024; Mwanza, 2023; Wa Teresia,  
2022). Notably, these groups often provide financial support, protection, and social status, which makes crime  
an attractive alternative to the hardships of slum life (Kibichii & Mwaeke, 2024; Wa Teresia, 2022).  
Another factor that fuels crime among the youth in informal settlements is drugs and substance abuse (Kibichii  
& Mwaeke, 2024; Kiplagat, 2021; Wado et al., 2022). The widespread availability of cheap and illicit drugs in  
slums exacerbates criminal behavior since many young people become involved in drug dealing (Kubende &  
Ocharo, 2024; Wa Teresia, 2022) or commit crimes to sustain their addiction (Kibichii & Mwaeke, 2024;  
Mwanza, 2023). Ouma & wa Teresia, (2024) note that substance abuse impairs judgment, increases aggression,  
and fosters an environment of lawlessness, which in turn results in increased incidents of robbery, assault, and  
even homicide.  
According to Kibichii & Mwaeke, (2024) the lack of effective law enforcement and weak governance in slums  
has invariably worsened the crime situation. In most instances, many slum residents perceive law enforcement  
agencies as corrupt, inefficient, or even complicit in criminal activities (Kiplagat, 2021; Mwanza, 2023; Wado  
et al., 2022; Winter et al., 2022). Policing-related challenges such as inadequate policing, slow judicial processes,  
and a lack of community trust in law enforcement have created an environment where crime flourishes  
unchecked (Kibichii & Mwaeke, 2024; Kubende & Ocharo, 2024; Wa Teresia, 2022). In some cases, criminal  
gangs take over law enforcement roles, and subsequently impose their own rules and punishments, which further  
erodes government authority in these areas (Kubende & Ocharo, 2024; Winter et al., 2022).  
Additionally, peer pressure and gang culture have further contributed to youth involvement in crime (Elfversson  
& Höglund, 2019; Mwanza, 2023; Thieme, 2021). According to Wado et al., (2022) many young people in slums  
grow up in environments where criminal activities are normalized. The influence of peers engaged in theft, drug  
trade, and violent crimes becomes overwhelming, and especially for those seeking acceptance and recognition.  
Kubende & Ocharo, (2024) note that gang culture has gained a strong presence in slum areas, where criminal  
groups offer security, financial incentives, and a sense of brotherhood. Once youth are recruited, leaving a gang  
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becomes difficult due to threats of violence or retaliation, which further trap many youths in a life of crime  
(Kiplagat, 2021; Mwanza, 2023; Wa Teresia, 2022; Wado et al., 2022).  
Addressing youth crime in slums requires a multi-faceted approach that tackles these socio-economic challenges.  
These include providing the youth with economic opportunities (Nzau, 2015), improving access to education  
(Kibichii & Mwaeke, 2024; Mwanza, 2023; Ouma & wa Teresia, 2024; Winter et al., 2022), strengthening family  
support systems (Kubende & Ocharo, 2024; Wa Teresia, 2022; Wado et al., 2022), and enhancing community  
policing efforts are critical steps toward reducing crime (Kibichii & Mwaeke, 2024; Kubende & Ocharo, 2024;  
Mwanza, 2023; Wado et al., 2022; Winter et al., 2022). Notably, addressing the root causes is imperative in  
mitigating youth criminality in slums as it will stop the perpetuation of a cycle of poverty, insecurity, and social  
instability.  
METHODOLOGY  
Research Design  
This study adopted the mixed-methods research design, which integrates quantitative and qualitative data  
collection techniques (Clark et al., 2021; Creswell & Clark, 2021). Subsequently, surveys were used to collect  
statistical data on crime prevalence and socio-economic factors influencing youth involvement in crime whereas  
in-depth interviews were conducted with youths, community leaders, and law enforcement officials to provide  
insights into personal experiences and perspectives. The combination of these methods allowed for a more  
comprehensive analysis of youth crime in Kibera.  
Study Area  
The research was conducted in Kibera, Nairobi, Kenya. Kibera is the largest urban slum in Africa (Ouma & wa  
Teresia, 2024), and is characterized by high population density, poverty, and inadequate access to basic services  
(Kibichii & Mwaeke, 2024; Mbogo, 2022; Ouma & wa Teresia, 2024), all of which contribute to crime among  
young people (Ouma & wa Teresia, 2024). Given the limited research on youth crime in Kibera, this study aimed  
to fill that gap by exploring the prevalent criminal activities perpetrated by the youth in the slum.  
Target Population  
The study focused on youths aged 15-24 living in Kibera. This age group was selected because it represents a  
critical period of vulnerability to crime and delinquency. Kibera is divided into several wards, with varying  
population sizes, including Laini Saba, Lindi, Makina, Woodley/Kenyatta Golf Course, and Sarang’ombe.  
Table 1.0: Kibera Population Distribution based on Wards  
No  
1
Wards  
Population  
15,100  
Laini Saba  
2
Lindi  
13,788  
3
Makina  
21,635  
4
Woodley/Kenyatta Golf Course  
Sarang’ombe  
23,858  
5
26,971  
Inclusion Criteria  
Participants had to:  
i.  
Be aged 15-24 and have lived in Kibera for at least one year.  
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ii.  
Give informed consent (or obtain parental consent if under 18).  
iii.  
Be able to respond to survey or interview questions in English or Kiswahili.  
Exclusion Criteria  
i.  
Youths with cognitive impairments that hinder participation.  
Youths unwilling to give informed consent.  
ii.  
Sample Size and Sampling Design  
The sample size for this study was determined using the following formula for calculating sample size for finite  
populations:  
n = Z2 x p x q / e2  
where:  
n = sample size  
Z = confidence level coefficient (1.96 for a 95% confidence level)  
p = estimated prevalence of the target population characteristic (proportion of youth involved in crime)  
q = 1 - p  
e = margin of error  
Assumptions  
In the absence of prior research on youth crime prevalence in Kibera, a conservative estimate of p (proportion  
of youth involved in crime) is set at 60%.  
A 95% confidence level is desired (Z = 1.96).  
A margin of error of 5% (e = 0.05) is considered acceptable.  
Calculation:  
n = (1.962) x 0.6 x 0.4 / (0.052)  
n = 3.8416 x 0.3 / 0.0025  
n ≈ 96.04  
Since fractional sample sizes are not feasible, the sample size was rounded to 100. To ensure equal representation  
of the sample in terms of gender, a stratified sampling method was used, which included 50 male youth and 50  
female youth. Simple random sampling was thereafter used to determine the participants that were included in  
each stratum.  
Data Collection  
A questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data on youth demographics, socio-economic background,  
experiences with crime, and exposure to gangs. The self-administered questionnaire was translated into  
Kiswahili to ensure accessibility for participants who were less conversant with the English language. Semi-  
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structured interviews were used to collect data from 30 participants who were purposively sampled. The  
interviews explored their lived experiences, perceptions, and motivations related to youth crime in Kibera.  
The questionnaire and interview guides (used to conduct the semi-structured interviews) were pretested with a  
group of 15 youth from Kibera who were subsequently not included in the main study. The findings of the pre-  
testing helped refine the tool to ensure clarity, cultural relevance and effectiveness.  
Validity measures adopted included content validity whereby the research tools were constructed based on the  
existing literature and input from criminology experts. Face validity was also used in which the community  
stakeholders and potential participants reviewed the tools to ascertain their relevance and clarity. Besides, the  
reliability of the questionnaire was ascertained using the Cronbach’s Alpha to test the internal consistency of the  
tool. The inter-rater reliability was ensured by having two researchers independently analyze interview responses  
to confirm their agreement in terms of the emergent themes.  
The study was conducted over three months. The participants were provided with informed consent forms, which  
they were required to fill/sign before participating. The under-age participants (minors) required parental or  
guardian consent to participate in the study. The questionnaires were self-administered in private, though the  
researcher was available for clarification. The interviews were conducted in confidential settings, and  
participants were requested to give consent to audio-record their responses.  
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS  
Demographic Profile of Participants  
The study sought to understand the demographic profile of the participants. The results revealed that a majority  
of the participants (38%) were aged between 18 and 20 years; 32% were aged between 15 and 17 years; and  
30% were aged between 21 and 24 years (See Table 1.2). This implied that the participants were majorly young  
with the majority falling between 15 and 24 years old. The age distribution also indicated a fair balance of the  
various age groups in the research population. This was essential in identifying high-risk age groups and  
structuring targeted interventions, such as education, job creation, and mentorship programs, to prevent crime.  
The results also revealed that 52% of the respondents were male whereas 48% were female (See Table 1.2).  
There was, therefore, a balanced gender distribution in the study, which suggested that the findings were based  
on a gender-inclusive perspective on youth crime in Kibera. The slight differences in gender distribution also  
indicated that crime involvement was not necessarily gender-skewed.  
A majority of the respondents (65%) had lived at the slum for more than 10 years; 18% had lived at the slum for  
a period of between 6 to 10 years; 12% had lived there for less than 5 years whereas, 5% had lived there for less  
than 1 year (See Table 1.2). This suggested that having lived in Kibera for more than 10 years most respondents  
had deep-rooted experiences with the social and economic challenges of the slum, including crime. Besides,  
those who had stayed 6-10 years (18%) and 5 years or less (12%) may also have had significant exposure, while  
the 5% who have lived there for less than a year may have had limited experience with local crime trends. These  
results suggested that long-term residents had better insight into the criminal patterns and that crime prevention  
efforts should consider both long-term and newly settled populations.  
Table 1.2: Demographic Profile of Respondents  
Age  
Frequency  
Percentage (%)  
15-17 years old  
18-20 years old  
21-24 years old  
32  
38  
30  
32  
38  
30  
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Gender  
Frequency  
Percentage (%)  
Male  
52  
52  
Female  
48  
48  
Length of Residence in Kibera  
Less than 1 year  
1-5 years  
Frequency  
Percentage (%)  
5
5
12  
12  
6-10 years  
18  
18  
More than 10 years  
Level of Education  
None  
65  
65  
Frequency (n=100)  
Percentage (%)  
15  
15  
Primary School  
Secondary School  
Vocational Training  
University  
35  
35  
42  
42  
13  
13  
5
5
Financial Situation  
Very Difficult  
Difficult  
Frequency (n=100)  
Percentage (%)  
12  
36  
31  
18  
3
12  
36  
31  
18  
3
Getting By  
Comfortable  
Very Comfortable  
The results also showed that 42% of the respondents had acquired secondary education as their highest education  
level. Besides, 42% had primary school education; 15 percent did not have any education; 13% had vocational  
training, whereas 5% had university education (See Table 1.2). These results imply that low education levels  
may be associated with crime involvement; thereby, emphasizing the need for educational and vocational  
training programs to address youth crime.  
Additionally, the results showed that 36% of the respondents described their family financial background as  
difficult; 31% claimed they were getting by; 18% indicated they were comfortable; 12% claimed their position  
was very difficult and 2% said they were comfortable (See Table 1.2). These results indicated that poverty is a  
major issue among youths in Kibera, potentially driving some into crime for survival. These results highlighted  
economic struggles as a key factor influencing youth crime, suggesting the need for poverty alleviation  
programs, job creation, and financial support initiatives.  
Prevalence of Youth Crime in Kibera Slum  
The study sought to find out the prevalence of youth involvement in criminal activities in the slum. The findings  
showed that 38% of the youth have been involved in some form of criminality, which includes offenses such as  
petty theft (22%) and fighting (18%) (see Table 1.3). According to PTS 14:  
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“Petty theft and fighting are common, especially when people are desperate."  
Besides, PTS 8 claimed that:  
"Petty theft and fighting happen all the time. Sometimes, it's just out of frustration or survival, not because people  
want to be criminals."  
Other crimes include drug selling and drug (12%), whereas gang activity was the least frequent, with only 5%  
admitting involvement (see Table 1.3). The interviewed participants also presented similar views regarding the  
prevalence of youth crime in Kibera slum. For instance, with regards to drugs PTS 16 said that:  
“Drugs are everywhere, and some youths sell them to make quick money. It’s a dangerous cycle."  
PTS 21 commented on gangs, claiming that:  
“Not everyone joins gangs, but those who do can be very dangerous. Most young people are just trying to get  
by."  
However, most of the youth (82%) reported witnessing a crime in their neighborhood. Only 27% of the  
respondents indicated that they felt safe in their neighborhood, which highlighted a significant concern for  
personal security among young people in Kibera (see Table 1.3). According to PTS 3:  
"It’s hard to feel safe here, especially when the police don’t always protect us.”  
Besides, PTS 8 also noted that:  
“I personally don’t feel safe, especially at night. You always have to watch your back."  
Table 1.3: Prevalence of Youth Crime in Kibera Slum  
Youth Involvement in Criminal Activity (n=100)  
Type of Crime  
Frequency  
Percentage  
Yes  
No  
38  
62  
38  
62  
Types of Criminal Activity (n=100)  
Crime Type  
Stealing  
Frequency  
Percentage  
58%  
22  
18  
8
Fighting  
47%  
Vandalism  
21%  
Drug Use/Selling  
Gang Activity  
12  
5
32%  
13%  
Feelings of Safety in Neighborhood (n=100)  
Feeling of Safety  
Frequency  
Percentage  
Very Safe  
8
8
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Somewhat Safe  
19  
25  
32  
16  
19  
25  
32  
16  
Neither Safe nor Unsafe  
Somewhat Unsafe  
Very Unsafe  
Socio-Economic Factors Contributing to Youth Crime in Kibera  
The study sought to establish the causes of criminality amongst the youth in Kibera slum. The findings showed  
that some of the causes of criminal involvement by the youth included (85%); lack of education (72%);  
unemployment (68%); peer pressure (52%); gang influence (45%) and others (10%). The interviewed  
participants also had similar views. For instance, PTS 11 noted that:  
“Poverty is everywhere around here. Many young people turn to crime because they have no opportunities."  
PTS 4 also said that:  
“Lack of education and unemployment are big reasons for youth crime here. If you don’t go to school and can’t  
get a job, what else can you do? You either struggle or join bad groups."  
PTS 9 also claimed that:  
“I have seen friends get pushed into crime just because they wanted to fit in. Once you join, it's hard to leave."  
Peer and Gang Influence on Youth Crime in Kibera  
The study sought to establish the connection between peer and gang influence on the involvement of the youth  
in Kibera with criminality. A majority of the respondents (72%) reported that there were active gangs in their  
neighborhood. However, 18% claimed that the gangs did not exist whereas 10% were not sure. Participants such  
as PTS 10 said that:  
"Gangs influence a lot of young people. Some join willingly, but others are pressured because they feel like they  
have no choice."  
PTS 6 added that:  
"Some people might say gangs don’t exist, but maybe they just don’t recognize them. For us who live here, we  
know they are active."  
According to PTS 17:  
"Even if you’re not in a gang, their presence affects you. They control certain areas, and if you live there, you  
have to be careful."  
Additionally, PTS 11 said that:  
"I’ve seen friends get involved with gangs, and once you’re in, it’s hard to leave. That’s why many youths end  
up in crime."  
Table 1.4: Peer and Gang Influence on Youth Crime in Kibera  
Gang Activity  
Frequency  
Percentage  
Yes  
72  
72  
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No  
18  
10  
18  
10  
Unsure  
Existing Programs for Preventing Youth Crime in Kibera  
The study sought to establish the solutions that could be adopted to address youth criminality in Kibera slum.  
The findings showed that various approaches could be adopted including increased economic opportunities  
(38%), improved educational access (32%), and community-based programs that provide mentorship and  
recreational activities (25%). The interviewed participants also agreed that increased economic opportunities  
for the youth were a key deterrent to their involvement in criminality. This included the provision of job creation  
initiatives, vocational training programs, and access to microloans to enable them to pursue self-employment  
ventures. For instance, PTS1 claimed that:  
"If there were more jobs available, especially for young people with limited education, there would be less  
temptation to turn to crime."  
The interviewees also indicated the need for improving access to quality education at all levels of learning. They  
noted that this could be achieved by increasing investment in schools within Kibera, providing learners with  
scholarship opportunities so that they can access high-end education, and availing vocational programs that  
provide school dropouts with craft skills that can make them create employment for themselves or get  
employment in the informal sector. According to PTS7:  
"Education is the key to a better future. If more young people could finish school and get good jobs, crime would  
go down."  
Besides, PTS 3 also noted that:  
"We need more relevant skills training programs that can help us find decent jobs after school."  
Additionally, the participants noted that there was a need for establishing community-based programs that are  
geared towards addressing the predictors of youth criminality in the slum. They cited programs including  
mentorship programs, recreational activities, and safe spaces where the youth could develop positive social  
connections and life skills. For instance, PTS 13 claimed that:  
"Having positive role models and mentors who can guide us can make a big difference. Many young people here  
feel lost and alone."  
Besides, PTS 5 also noted that:  
"There's not much to do for young people in Kibera after school. Investing in sports facilities, youth centers, and  
recreational activities would keep us engaged in positive ways."  
CONCLUSIONS  
The study concluded that 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. The key driver of youth criminality in Kibera included poverty, lack of education,  
unemployment, peer pressure, and gang influence. More specifically, youth in the slum are pushed into crime by  
economic hardships since they are compelled to find alternative ways of earning a living.  
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RECOMMENDATIONS  
The study recommended the establishment of initiatives that focus on education access, vocational training, and  
job creation. These may include community mentorship, crime awareness programs, and rehabilitation support,  
which could go a long way in strengthening the social support systems that the youth require to be diverted from  
the allures of quick fixes that criminal activities promise. Such programs will not only deter them from  
criminality but also provide them with a positive alternative of earning a living.  
There is also a need for establishing initiatives such as community policing and stronger law enforcement to  
enhance security and trust in the slums, and therefore, deter youth criminality. More importantly, drug awareness  
and rehabilitation programs should be implemented to prevent substance abuse.  
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