International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume VI, Issue IV, April 2022 | ISSN 2454–6186

The Perception of Causes and Types of Crime in the Informal Settlements in Nairobi, Kenya

Dr John Ndikaru Wa Teresia, PhD.
Senior Lecturer of Criminology, Technical University of Kenya, School of Information and Social Studies
Department of Criminology and Legal Studies, P O Box 57173 – 00200 Nairobi – Kenya

Abstract: The prevention and containment of crime is a key priority for governing authorities given that security is a significant contributor to social and economic development in any society. However, the quest to control and prevent crime in informal settlements has remained elusive for government authorities and the upsurge of more people settling into these slums threatens to make the situation untenable going forward. This study embarked on making comparisons between the types and causes of crime in four informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya, which include Kibera, Mathare, Mukuru, and Korogocho slums. The findings of the study were based on a sample size of 659 who were surveyed and their responses were analyzed descriptively. The study found that poverty was the major cause of crime in the informal settlement, and its antecedents include low education levels, high unemployment rates, and underemployment of most residents. The study recommended the provision of poverty alleviation programs targeting entrepreneurship and skills development for the youth; upgrading of the housing in the informal settlements and adoption of community policing to enhance the collaboration between the residents and police in controlling and preventing crime.

Key words: crime control, crime prevention, informal settlements, poverty alleviation

I. INTRODUCTION

The surge in crime trends in the recent past has continued to defy efforts that have been put in place by government and non-government agencies in terms of preventing and managing criminal activities. This has put the peace and stability of the country in a precarious position and even jeopardized social and economic developments (Musoi, et al., 2014). Within urban spaces, crime continues to be a headache for both the informal urban residents and local authorities charged with the responsibility for preventing and controlling crime.
Informal settlements are often considered the hub of criminality in urban spaces (Fattah & Walters, 2020). Informal settlements are also referred to as inner-city neighborhoods or slums. They are typically areas that are characterized by deprivation or the lack of basic urban services, and amenities including shelter and sanitation facilities such as toilets.