Analysis of the factors leading to juvenile delinquency : The case of Murang'a children's remand home

Abstract

The general aim of this study was to analyze the various factors leading to juvenile delinquency among children in Murang'a Children's Remand Home. In addition, the study sought to asses the various offences committed by children in the same institution. The study also aimed at establishing some of the coping mechanisms devised by juvenile delinquents in the remand home. It also gave various recommendations to policy makers on factors attributed to juvenile delinquency. The study applied both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection and analysis. Standardized questionnaires were used, in-depth interviews were employed as well as observations were made. Secondary data was accessed through various journals and children's personal files. Poverty, lack of access to education and breakdown of family structure were some of the leading factors in juvenile delinquency. Further more, the study found out that some of the offences committed by the children included truancy, vandalism,buglary as well as sexual offences. Some of the coping mechanism devised included stealing from neighbors, begging on the streets for food and clothing as ell as doing odd jobs to earn a living. The study provides some especially important information to policy makers regarding the phenomenon of juvenile delinquency. Parents ought to exercise strict parental care to children who are more likely to engage in delinquent acts. There is also need to improve institution-community linkages to sensitize all for change of attitude. There is also need for the government to train more workers on ways of dealing with juvenile delinquents as well as build more welfare homes for those children in need of care and protection. Finally, there is need to achieve the set Millennium Development Goals to help curb some of the problems brought about by juvenile delinquency.