Exploring Crime Victimization of Pedestrian Users of Under and Overpasses: A Case Study of Thika Superhighway in Nairobi City County

Abstract

This study sought to explore the phenomenon of crime victimisation of pedestrian users of overpasses and underpasses in Kenya using a case study of Thika superhighway in Nairobi City County. It’s specific objectives were: to establish the demographic and social-economic attributes of potential victims of crime, the extent to which law enforcement personnel influence crime victimisation of pedestrian users of the under and overpasses, and the extent to which sensitization influence their crime victimization. The study was grounded on the routine activities theory and the victim precipitation theory. A descriptive research design was adopted whereby 60 primary respondents and 8 key informants were interviewed using structured interview schedules. Primary and secondary data collection methods were employed to collect the relevant data and information. The study established that potential victims of crime comprise of the economically productive segment of the population who are either working, seeking work or attending school. Consequently, the security and safety of this population should be guaranteed by the state, since they are at risk of various crimes such as assault, sexual assault, rape, mugging and robbery among others. A significant majority (84%) of the potential victims asked for increased law enforcement patrols so as to minimize their risk of victimization at the study sites. A majority of the potential victims (98.3 %) were concerned about the inadequate enforcement as evidenced by inadequate police patrols at the underpasses and overpasses, as well as the near permanent occupation of the facilities by informal traders, homeless people and criminals, some of whom commit crimes in broad daylight. A majority of them (71%) were also of the view that pedestrian safety sensitization can reduce their crime victimization at the overpasses and underpasses. A multi-agency security approach comprising of NTSA, NPS, KENHA, and County enforcement department towards road safety and crime victimization on pedestrian road users is therefore recommended. Furthermore, the National Police Service and Nairobi City County Enforcement department should beef up their presence at the sites, thus enhancing crime prevention and control. This should be augmented by additional situational crime prevention measures such as video surveillance, burglar proofed security lighting as well as prompt crime investigations on the study sites.