Factors Contributing To Crime Among The Youth Within Kehancha Town, Migori County

Abstract

ABSTRACT The security issue in Kenya has been persistent since independence but has taken different dynamics over the decades. The availability of small arms has led to an increase in violent crime more so in the major cities of the country compounded with the engagement of the youthful population in criminal activity. The study therefore sought to investigate the factors influencing youth’s engagement in crime within Kehancha town In Migori County. This study targeted youth between the age of 15 and 30. The study used stratified sampling to arrive at 80 respondents. The study was guided by two specific objectives; to assess Socio-economic factors perpetuating criminal behavior among the youth in Kehancha town and also to establish the socio-psychological factors associated with deviant behavior among the youths in Kehancha town. The researcher adopted the descriptive design to guide the study besides dissemination of questionnaires to obtain data from the respondents. In regard to types of crime that youths engage in, armed robbery was cited as the most occurring and use of weapons was meant to intimidate the victims and create fear for the victims and members of the community not to fight back. The study established that most of the youth who engage in criminal behavior were male who attained primary level education and below. This is closely associated with unemployment and poverty as socio-economic factors. Family and peer influence contribute to youth engagement to crime, these factors are socio-psychological. The engagement of youth in crime in Kehancha town was found to have increased with relatively younger youth engaging in violent criminal activities. On the other hand, the study revealed that most of the youth engaged in crime were below the age of 25 years. The study recommends empowerment of youth who have dropped out of school or wayward youth to provide an alternative direction other than engaging in criminal activities. The sought to find way of reducing youth crime .The sentiment of hopelessness among the youth can be generated to positive energy through communication.