Factors influencing organized crime in urban centres; the case of the City of Nairobi, in Kenya

Abstract

Organized crime and insecurity are major challenges to the society. The city of Nairobi is not crime free, because there are:- Violent robberies, muggings, shop lifting, acts of terrorism, vandalism on utility property, drug and substance abuse, illegal firearms, Ethnicity and political incitements and violence, corruption, fraud, money laundering and other economic allied offences top the list.

The study focused on factors influencing organized crime in the city of Nairobi with the following variables considered: -Weak: family structures, Overpopulation in unplanned informal settlements, Un-employment, High population growth and finally Peer pressure relationships. Despite the Government interventions, crime trends and patterns in the city of Nairobi have has continued to be recorded on alarming and worrying rates. Hence, the necessity of the study. Relevant sociological theories on crime were incorporated in the study e.g. The Focus of Militia Mapping and organized gangs according to Ruggiero Vincenzo, (2006).

Expounding on the impact of space dynamics to crime, according to Clifford R. Shaw, (1929) on his publication of delinquency areas. Methodology used was descriptive survey design, with primary and secondary sources applied. Accidental sampling (also known as grab, convenience or opportunity) which is a non probability sampling was used. The study was based on a sample size of about 35 respondents with self administered Questionnaires.

Study findings indicated problems of organized cnme as caused by weak: family structures, over population in unplanned informal settlements, un-employment, high population growth and peer group relationship. Necessary recommendations were put in place including a requirement by the government of Kenya to have careful financial and other critical resource planning of the country's security. The data was analyzed by categorizing, ordering and manipulating and stored in electronic and non-electronic forms. A provision for further research was also allowed because of the dynamism of the study.