Perceived Causes of Street Robberies in the Nairobi Central Business District, Kenya

Abstract

Empirical studies have studied different factors contributing to street robbery using the crime analysis triangle. The triangle organizes elements that influence robbery issues among other forms of crime. Though no particular feature entirely accounts for the street robbery issue, the interconnected dynamic forces among victims , locations , offenders, and habits all impact street robbery patterns. This has baffled law enforcement agencies, civil society and the public at large. This study sought to identify perceived causes of street robberies in the Nairobi Central Business District. The study was underpinned by the Strain theory by Robert Merton, Social Disorganization and Routine Activity Theory by Cohen & Felson. The study adopted a descriptive research design and targeted persons who had been victims of street robbery within Nairobi CBD in the course of the one year preceding the study. Simple random sampling was used to sample (30%) 107 respondents out of a target population of 356 victims as per the police records within Nairobi CBD. Questionnaires were employed to collect quantitative data from the primary sample while key informant interview guides were employed to collect qualitative data from Key informants. Data collection instruments were piloted before the actual data collection process. Validity and reliability of the study questionnaire were ascertained before commencement of the study. Findings revealed that unemployment was the main (91.5%) factor perceived to encourage street robberies within the CBD. Other factors that were established to encourage street robberies included; street congestion (88.3%), inadequate CCTV & street lights (70.2%), inadequate police visibility (58.5%), poor urban planning (44.7%), proliferation of illegal small arms and light weapons (40.4%), street children (24.5%). Corruption among police officers (19.1%) was reported the least factor contributing to street robbery. In light of the study findings, the study recommended that the government puts in place mechanisms and resources to ensure availability of employment opportunities to vulnerable groups especially the youths and offer rehabilitation services and training to street families to make them useful and productive. Sensitization of members of the public and police officers on the need to embrace community policing also needs to be given priority whereby the police and the community work together in order to ensure a safe, secure and crime free environment. Keywords: Perceived Causes, Street Robberies, Nairobi Central Business District DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/12-8-02 Publication date: November 30 th 2022