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kenya
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379 total results foundAuthor: Mumma, Catherine Muyeka Title: Documenting Human Rights Violations of Sex Workers in Kenya: A Report Based on Study Conducted in Nairobi, Kisumu, Busia, Nanyuki, Mombasa, and Malindi Towns in Kenya Summary: This report details the abuses experienced by sex workers throughout the country, and analyzes the policy framework that undermines sex workers' access to rights. Details: Nairobi: Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), 2008 Source: Public Health Program's Sexual Health and Rights Project and Law and Health Initiative; Open Society Initiative for East Africa Year: 2008 Country: Kenya Keywords: Human Rights Shelf Number: 115373 |
Author: Kagari, Michelle Title: The Police, The People, The Politics: Police Accountability in Kenya Summary: This report examines the Kenyan police, looking particularly at illegitimate political control, and impact of that control on policing, and the reform answers that will provide a more democratic and accountable police service to the Kenyan people. Details: New Delhi: Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative; Nairobi, Kenya: Kenya Human Rights Commission, 2006. 86p. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2006 Country: Kenya Keywords: 129781 Shelf Number: 118772 |
Author: Simpson, Gerry Title: Welcome to Kenya: Police Abuse of Somali Refugees Summary: Near Kenya's officially closed border with Somalia, abusive police intercept thousands of mostly women and children asylum seekers fleeing war-torn Somalia every month. Using the clandestine nature of their journey as an excuse to extort and abuse them, police beat and, in some cases, rape them, and deport or detain those who don't pay on false charges of unlawful presence in Kenya. In early 2010, hundreds, if not thousands, of Somalis unable to pay were unlawfully sent back to Somalia. Once in the camps, which only 3 percent of refugees were allowed to leave in 2009, they face further police violence. Police also fail to investigate sexual violence against refugees by other refugees and Kenyan nationals in the camps, leading to a climate of impunity for those responsible. The abuses are the direct result of the country's border closure and the related closure of a refugee transit center near the border which used to provide a safe place where most Somalis first sought refuge in Kenya and from where the United Nations previously transported them to camps. Without this transit center, Somalis have become fair game for corrupt police. This report outlines concrete steps Kenya should take to end the abuses and to proactively prevent and respond to sexual violence in the camps. It also calls on the UN refugee agency to improve its monitoring of abuses and to increase its advocacy with the authorities to end them. Details: New York: Human Rights Watch, 2010. 94p. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2010 Country: Kenya Keywords: Aliens Shelf Number: 119109 |
Author: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Title: Victimization Survey in Kenya: Executive Summary Summary: This report presents the results of a victimization survey carried out within the framework of the UN Development Account project 06/07R Collection and analysis of data and trends on drugs, crime, and victimization in Africa. The report summarizes the major findings of the survey which was carried out in Kenya in early 2010. The survey had national coverage and targeted a sample of approximately 3,000 households. Details: Vienna: UNODC, 2010. 10p. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2010 Country: Kenya Keywords: Crime Statistics (Kenya) Shelf Number: 119552 |
Author: Mwenda, Albert Title: A Review of the Kenya Police Force Budget and Its Effect on Crime Management Summary: This study sets out to analyse trends in budgetary allocations and exchequer releases to the Kenya Police Force (KPF) and to examine whether or not they have impacted on citizen safety and crime management. The specific objectives of this study are to: understand the budgetary process in Kenya, focusing on the KPF budget; analyse trends in budgetary allocations to the KPF between fiscal years 1999/00 to 2003/04; compare allocations to the KPF with those to other law enforcement agencies; establish whether disparities exist between budgetary allocations to the KPF and actual expenditure; and identify police priorities based on analysis of budgetary trends. Details: New Delhi: Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, 2005. 62p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 1, 2010 at: http://www.humanrightsinitiative.org/publications/police/kenya_budgetary_report.pdf Year: 2005 Country: Kenya Keywords: Criminal Justice Personnel Shelf Number: 119710 |
Author: Bevan, James Title: Blowback: Kenya's Illicit Ammunition Problem in Turkana North District Summary: Kenya has an ammunition problem. The Government of Kenya is fully aware of the symptoms, but it is not aware that it plays a large role in nurturing them. Turkana North District is afflicted by some of the most intense armed violence in the region. The wars that rage between the pastoralist communities in the district and neighbouring regions of Sudan and Uganda are fuelled by a steady supply of small arms ammunition. The research presented in this paper provides strong evidence of a systematic unofficial initiative to supply the Turkana pastoralist groups with Kenyan government ammunition. It finds that the Kenya Police supplies almost 50 per cent of the ammunition that circulates illegally in Turkana North, ostensibly to provide the Turkana with some defence against rival groups in Sudan and Uganda. Details: Geneva: Small Arms Survey, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, 2008. 108p. Source: Internet Resource: Small Arms Survey Occasional Paper No. 22: Accessed November 9, 2010 at:http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/B-Occasional-papers/SAS-OP22-Kenya.pdf Year: 2008 Country: Kenya Keywords: Gun Violence Shelf Number: 120266 |
Author: Finnegan, L., Hickson, C. and Rai, S., (eds.), Title: Implementing Community-Based Policing in Kenya Summary: This report describes the experience and lessons learned from implementing an innovative and democratic style of policing in Kenya called community-based policing which brings together the police, civil society and communities to find local solutions to community safety concerns. By improving relations between the police and local communities, community-based policing is helping to reduce crime and make communities in Kenya safer. This report is designed to deepen understanding of the community-based policing approach and to provide guidance as to how it can be undertaken. The context in Kenya has changed significantly following the elections in late December and the writing of this report. The performance of the Kenya police has been in the spotlight with reports of excessive use of force and human rights abuses alongside other cases where police promoted dialogue and a conciliatory approach. Since then, Saferworld has redoubled its efforts to promote community safety, and has been active in supporting the development and implementation of peace-building initiatives that bring together community members, the police and local administration. Details: London: Saferworld, 2008. 36p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 15, 2011 at: http://www.saferworld.org.uk/downloads/pubdocs/Report.pdf Year: 2008 Country: Kenya Keywords: Community Policing Shelf Number: 121364 |
Author: Gastrow, Peter Title: Termites at Work: Transnational Organized Crime and State Erosion in Kenya Summary: The threat posed by organized crime is not confined to serious crimes such as racketeering, the global drug trade, or human trafficking. For many developing countries and fragile states, powerful transnational criminal networks constitute a direct threat to the state itself, not through open confrontation but by penetrating state institutions through bribery and corruption and by subverting or undermining them from within. Governments that lack the capacity to counter such penetration, or that acquiesce in it, run the risk of becoming criminalized or “captured” states. This paper examines whether Kenya faces such a threat. Six categories of transnational organized crime are examined, pointing to significant increases in criminal activity with pervasive impacts on government institutions in Kenya. Rampant corruption in the police, judiciary, and other state institutions has facilitated criminal networks’ penetration of political institutions. The research findings do not justify Kenya being labeled a criminalized state, but its foundations are under attack. Determined interventions are required to stem organized criminal networks from further undermining the state. The paper concludes with recommendations for steps to be taken at the national, regional, and international levels: National • Establish an independent, specialized serious crimes unit. • Enhance research, analysis, and information dissemination on organized crime in Kenya and East Africa. • Carry out a major overhaul of company registration systems to enhance accuracy, transparency, and public access. Regional • Significantly enhance police cooperation in the East African Community. International • Develop an East African Community Initiative that builds on the experience of the interagency West Africa Coast Initiative. Details: New York: International Peace Institute, 2011. 24p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 18, 2011 at: http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/Full_Report_2562.pdf Year: 2011 Country: Kenya Keywords: Criminal Networks Shelf Number: 123045 |
Author: Otto, Lisa Title: Kenya and the Pest of Piracy: A Prospective Partner for Peace Summary: The paper examines ways in which Kenya could be engaged in the counter-piracy effort in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. Maritime piracy has presented an increasing threat to global, economic, strategic and security interests, with the number of piracy attacks steadily increasing over the last two years. While members of the international community have attempted to address maritime piracy, mostly through advocacy and naval deployment, pirates have managed to adapt their tactics and are still successfully carrying out attacks. The geographical location of Kenya and the fact that it has been adversely affected by the activities of pirates, places it in a key position to curb the effects of piracy. This paper evaluates Kenya’s counter-piracy efforts and suggests ways in which Kenya can contribute more effectively to the fight against piracy on a domestic, regional and global level. The paper also offers a number of recommendations advocating a varied approach to defeat maritime piracy. This publication was made possible by the government of Finland. In addition, the ISS receives core funding from the governments of the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Details: Pretoria, South Africa: Institute for Security Studies, 2012. 7p. Source: Situation Report: Internet Resource: Accessed March 10, 2012 at http://www.iss.co.za/uploads/22Feb12Kenya.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Kenya Keywords: Maritime Piracy (Kenya) Shelf Number: 124438 |
Author: Mbote, Patricia Kameri Title: Kenya: Justice Sector and the Rule of Law: A review by AfriMAP and the Open Society Initiative for Eastern Africa Summary: The Kenya Justice Sector report, written by Dr Patricia Kameri Mbote and Migai Akech, comes at the time when the country is going through interesting times. The study’s premise is based on Kenya’s policy blueprint-Vision 2030, which places rule of law at the centre of its goals. It was also commenced at the same time as the nation was recuperating from the post-election poll, which resulted in many Kenyan’s expressing disappointment at the nation’s democratic institutions. The study looks at: justice sector and rule of law; legal and institutional framework; government track record in respect of rule of law; management of the justice system; independence of the bench and bar; criminal justice; access to justice and the role of donor agencies. It makes recommendations for each specific topic being interrogated. Details: Nairobi, Kenya: The Open Society Initiative for Eastern Africa, 2011. 209p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 24, 2012 at http://www.afrimap.org/english/images/report/MAIN%20Report%20Kenya%20Justice%20Web.pdf Year: 2011 Country: Kenya Keywords: Administration of Justice (Kenya) Shelf Number: 124728 |
Author: Keesbury, Jill Title: Routine screening for intimate partner violence in public health care settings in Kenya: An assessment of acceptability Summary: Although routine screening for intimate partner violence (IPV) is a current recommendation of several professional associations in industrialized countries, developing country contexts such as Kenya have yet to take on this task. There are good reasons for this hesitation, given that strong health systems should ideally be in place prior to the introduction of IPV screening. The current proliferation of one-stop Gender Based Violence (GBV) centers in African countries, however, now provides an opportunity to determine the acceptability of routine IPV screening. That violence has become an increasingly serious public health concern in the region emphasizes further the need for acceptability assessments around this issue. As most research on IPV screening has been conducted in developed countries, this study serves as one of the first in a developing country context to assess the acceptability of IPV screening from the perspective of providers and clients in public health care settings. Drawing primarily on qualitative methods, the study used a descriptive case study design (involving semi-structured, in-depth interviews with clients and providers, and client flow observations) to assess the acceptability of screening for IPV. The study was conducted in Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Nairobi – the oldest and largest public referral hospital in the East African region. The antenatal care clinic, the HIV comprehensive care centre, the Gender-Based Violence Recovery Centre, and the Youth Centre of KNH served as the specific study sites. In conclusion, routine screening for IPV is acceptable to providers and clients at Kenyatta National Hospital. However, to be effective as a routine service, the system as it currently stands needs to be reinforced in specific ways, including greater assurance of confidentiality, more positive provider attitudes and higher respect for clients’ rights. These weaknesses are typical for the quality of care for similar services provided within accredited public sector health facilities in Kenya. Based on the results of this acceptability study, an IPV screening tool was developed in October 2011 by the Kenyatta National Hospital’s IPV Taskforce in collaboration with the Population Council. This tool will be piloted in 2012, through a partnership between the Population Council and Kenyatta National Hospital, to assess the feasibility of administering it routinely in public health care settings to fully measure the success of the IPV screening program—the first of its kind on the African continent. Details: New York: The Population Council, 2012. 38p. Source: Technical Report: Internet Resource: Accessed June 13, 2012 at http://www.popcouncil.org/pdfs/2012RH_APHIAII_IntimatePartnerViol.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Kenya Keywords: Gender-Based Violence (Kenya) Shelf Number: 125349 |
Author: Lambrechts, Christian Title: Aerial Survey of the Destruction of the Aberdare Range Forests Summary: In 2002, Rhino Ark requested UNEP, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Kenya Forests Working Group (KFWG) to undertake an aerial survey of the Aberdare Range forests, similar to the survey undertaken on Mt. Kenya in 1999 and on Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2001. The survey responded to increasing public outcry about widespread forest destruction in the Aberdares. Over the past few years, a number of civil society organizations have been reporting on illegal destructive activities in the Aberdare Range forests, in particular on the southern and western slopes. In November 2000, KFWG sent a fact-finding mission to Kieni, Ragia and South Kinangop forests on the south-western slopes. The mission revealed extensive indigenous forest destruction in critical catchment areas, large scale encroachments, as well as rampant charcoal production. Although some few localised actions were taken, the overall situation on the ground did not show any significant improvement. Illegal activities went on unabated in many areas. Since its inception in 1987, Rhino Ark has launched a number of initiatives aimed at conserving the Aberdares, its habitats and wildlife. These initiatives include the construction of 320 kilometres of fence around the Aberdare Range forests to reduce human-wildlife conflict and protect the natural ecosystem from illegal exploitation. To date some 160 kilometres of fence have been erected and country-wide fund-raising activities are under way to secure the necessary funds for the completion of the fence. In this regard, the survey was to provide Rhino Ark’s donors with an accurate appraisal of the situation on the ground and the impact of the fence on the state of conservation of the Aberdares. It is expected that the information generated through the aerial survey will help all stakeholders to identify appropriate intervention measures to address the threats to the Aberdares. The survey report and the maps can also be powerful awareness-raising instruments that, hopefully, will catalyze the required support at local, national and international levels to ensure the conservation of this invaluable natural ecosystem. Details: Nairobi, Kenya: Division of Early Warning and Assessment, United Nations Environment Programme, 2003. 53p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 16, 2012 at: http://www.unep.org/expeditions/docs/Aberdares-report-english_Aerial%20survey%202002.pdf Year: 2003 Country: Kenya Keywords: Forests Shelf Number: 125624 |
Author: Kamweti, David Title: Nature and Extent of Environmental Crime in Kenya Summary: This report deals with the nature and extent of environmental crime in Kenya and was commissioned by the Environmental Crimes Project (ECP) of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS). The ECP is a project in partnership with the East African Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (EAPCCO). Its core objective is to enhance human security by improving regional law enforcement and policymaking to fight environmental crime in eastern Africa. An environmental crime can be defined as a grave act against the environment that results in the infringement of the right of citizens to a clean and healthy environment. For such an act to constitute a crime, it must contravene laid-down legislation in the various sectors of the environment, such as forestry, water and wildlife. Environmental offences have, for a long time, been treated as misdemeanours, and not felonies. Environmental crime is a serious and growing concern, leading to the near extinction of valuable wildlife species, and significantly impacting on the biological integrity of the planet. It contributes to environmental degradation, which in turn affects the quality and quantity of environmental resources. By doing so, it leads to unhealthy competition for these scarce resources, and subsequently to volatile situations and even resource-use conflicts. As such, environmental crime impacts on human livelihoods. Details: Pretoria: Institute for Security Studies, 2009. 78p. Source: Internet Resource: Monograph 166: Accessed August 7, 2012 at: http://www.iss.co.za/pgcontent.php?UID=2764 Year: 2009 Country: Kenya Keywords: Law Enforcement, Environment Shelf Number: 125896 |
Author: Muggah, Robert Title: Urban Resilience in Situations of Chronic Violence Case Study of Nairobi, Kenya Summary: While the sources and forms of social and political violence have been extensively examined, the ways ordinary people along with their neighbors and officials cope with chronic urban violence have earned far less attention. This eight-case study of cities suffering from a history of violence explores this latter phenomenon, which we call resilience. We define resilience as those acts intended to restore or create effectively functioning community-level activities, institutions, and spaces in which the perpetrators of violence are marginalized and perhaps even eliminated. Fragile cities suffer from violence enacted on multiple scales concentrated in a single metropolitan space. How, then, do the spatial characteristics of the city shape violence? Are urban interventions successful in transcending sectoral approaches to violence by focusing on the greater community and city? Using case studies of cities suffering from long histories of chronic violence, this project examines how citizens have evolved coping mechanisms (strategies of resilience) at various scales. Insights from field research in these cities are combined with theoretical approaches to security, violence, and resilience in order to develop a systemic, multi-sectoral approach to chronic violence. The present study of service provision, violence, and resilience in Nairobi’s informal settlements has several objectives. First, it intends to describe various types of formal and informal services provided to residents of low- and medium-income areas. Second, it seeks to develop a more exhaustive review of the providers of these services and their interrelationships. Third, the assessment explores the character of resilience amongst residents of selected slums and the absence of formal state services. All of these objectives are of intense interest to national and metropolitan planners, preoccupied as they are with questions of urban violence and poverty. In order to unpack these questions, the assessment undertook focused research in a selection of sites as well as a literature review of the history of urbanization in Nairobi proper. Two of these sites included “informal settlements,” or slums in the vernacular. The third site was “middle class” and offered a control against which to examine patterns of service delivery and local forms of resilience. The assessment was also informed by a number of focus group discussions with municipal counselors, leaders in the various settlements, service providers, and residents to examine their perspectives and interrogate key issues. This report is itself divided into several discrete sections. The first section provides a cursory overview of the methodology deployed during the research period. Section two issues a historical assessment of Nairobi’s urbanization trajectory, which is critical in understanding contemporary realities. It also considers contemporary trends and patterns of exclusion and how these relate to older planning and development strategies. The third section explores in more detail issues of service provision in different neighborhoods of Nairobi, tracing out a range of services and the ways in which they interact. While a preliminary assessment, this study nevertheless generated a host of findings with implications for public policy in Nairobi and beyond. Overall, the assessment detects a surprising level of dynamism in the provision and supplementing of services in neglected informal settlements. It found that while residents frequently struggle to adjust in situations of adversity, there is a bewildering array of locally arising coping strategies in relation to security, water, sanitation, solid waste disposal, housing, and infrastructure provision. The assessment also highlights the more “negative” forms of resilience emerging both to fill the gaps left by an absence of state presence, but also in the wake of competition between rival service providers. Details: Cambridge, MA: Urban Resilience in Chronic Violence, MIT. 2012. 41p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed December 16, 2012 at http://urcvproject.org/uploads/Nairobi_URCV.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Kenya Keywords: Urban Areas (Kenya) Shelf Number: 127220 |
Author: Wepundi, Manasseh Title: Availability of Small Arms and Perceptions of Security in Kenya: An Assessment Summary: Kenya has experienced the effects of small arms availability and misuse for many years, but the unprecedented violence that erupted after the December 2007 general elections placed the issue of small arms reduction higher on the national agenda. The government of Kenya started a number of important initiatives, such as the establishment of the Kenya National Focal Point on Small Arms and Light Weapons (KNFP) as an interagency directorate within the Office of the President, Ministry of State for Provincial Administration and Internal Security. Despite significant progress, law enforcement efforts to control the proliferation of small arms still face significant challenges. The extent of illicit firearms and their distribution over the Kenyan territory were the object of the 2003 National Mapping for Illicit SALW, carried out by the KNFP, which informed the development of the Kenya National Action Plan for Arms Control and Management (KNFP, 2006). However, for the eight subsequent years there has been no study with national coverage, with most research on small arms in Kenya focusing on the northern parts of the country (North Rift, Upper Eastern, and North Eastern Province). This joint study by the Government of Kenya and the Geneva-based Small Arms Survey aims to assess small arms proliferation in Kenya (mapping their location, sources, and movements) and the capacity of various actors involved in small arms control and peace-building efforts in the country. For this purpose, the study adopted a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods involving approximately 2,500 interviews with households, representatives of civil society organizations, law enforcement agents, and other key informants from 31 out of the 47 counties of Kenya. The geographical coverage of the sample specifically included all counties perceived as highly volatile (those where small arms are endemic, those with significant pastoralist communities who have propensity for small arms ownership to protect their livestock, emerging areas, and high-density urban areas with high crime levels), as well as representatives from areas considered to be of medium and low volatility. The major findings of the study are the following: • Between 530,000 and 680,000 firearms may be in civilian hands nationally. • Despite an overall perception of a reduction in the number of firearms nationally, some zones, including areas such as Mt Elgon and Rift Valley, where important disarmament initiatives have been carried out, have recorded a significant increase in gun possession since 2003. • The period of violence around the December 2007 elections has left its mark on the population, with the majority of household respondents stating that they feel the most insecure during election periods. • Approximately 20 per cent of household respondents were victims of a crime or an act of violence over the year preceding the interviews, but twice as many felt that there is a likelihood of their being a victim of violence and/or crime in the next year. • More than one-third of those who were victims of crimes were confronted with a firearm. • There is a discrepancy between the views of law enforcement agencies and civil society organizations as regards the effectiveness of current efforts to reduce firearm proliferation and increase security, with the former being more optimistic than the latter. Based on main findings above, the study provides a number of recommendations on monitoring and understanding the nature of the problem, changes to the institutional environment, measures to reduce access to small arms and light weapons and to deal with victims, and steps to address development using a more systemic approach. This study is composed of five chapters. The first covers the background and introduces the study. The second and the third discuss findings based on surveys of households, law enforcement agents, and members of civil society organizations, as well as qualitative information based on statements from focus group discussions and key informant interviews on arms trends, sources, and movements, and ongoing efforts made by the government to limit the proliferation of firearms. The fourth chapter contains conclusions and recommendations, and the fifth describes in detail the methodology used in several of the study’s components. Details: Geneva, SWIT: Small Arms Survey, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, 2012. 130p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 31, 2013 at: http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/C-Special-reports/SAS-SR16-Kenya.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Kenya Keywords: Gun Violence Shelf Number: 127460 |
Author: Mc Evoy, Claire Title: Battering, Rape, and Lethal Violence A Baseline of Information on Physical Threats against Women in Nairobi Summary: The starting point for this research is the knowledge that gender-based physical and sexual violence targeting women is commonplace in Kenya—and that few cases are reported to the police. Almost half (45 per cent) of Kenyan women aged 15–49 have experienced physical or sexual violence, including ‘forced sexual initiation’, according to the 2008–09 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), which surveyed 6,318 female respondents (KNBS and ICF Macro, 2010, p. 251). Reports of gender-based physical violence targeting women and girls ‘abound’ in the major national daily newspapers, on television, and on the radio (NCGD, 2010b, p. 2). A number of factors contribute to the widely tolerated levels of violence. These include the low status of women in society, patriarchal values and power structures focused on male dominance, discriminatory institutions and implementation of laws, the absence of a legal framework on intimate partner violence (IPV), and a criminal justice system that is largely inaccessible. Crucially, the low socio-economic status of most women—and the low status of poor people in general—perpetuates the status quo. Exacerbating matters, the violence meted out to women is rarely recognized; in a recent poll, for example, 72 per cent of respondents (240 in total, both male and female) from four districts in Kenya said that acts of gender-based physical violence—including rape, defilement, and battering—were not serious crimes (NCGD, 2010b, p. 30). A recent government report notes: ‘This finding on perception is significant in the sense that it brings out the fact that Kenya as a country tolerates a culture of violence against women, and that the country values and positions women much lower than men’. Most of the violence occurs within the domestic sphere, perpetrated by spouses or intimate partners as the women go about their daily routines (AI, 2009). It takes place as part of ‘normal’ life, as opposed to during conflict—although it peaks during times of political strife or tensions. During post-election violence in 2007–08 there was a spike of rapes targeting mostly poor women in their homes; the perpetrators were state security agents— from the Administration Police, Kenya Police, and General Service Unit — organized gangs, neighbours, relatives, and ‘friends’ (CIPEV, 2008, pp. 251–52). Police officers reportedly committed more than one-quarter (26 per cent) of the recorded rapes (HRW, 2011, p. 22). During this period, the Gender Violence Recovery Centre (GVRC) at Nairobi Women’s Hospital saw 524 cases of rape and defilement, of which almost 60 per cent occurred in Nairobi6 and 89 per cent targeted women and girls (GVRC, 2008b, pp. 7–9, 15). Perpetrators— who attacked in gangs of up to 11—reportedly chanted support for political parties (p. 14). It is unclear whether they were ordered to do so in support of those parties. As of August 2012, no post-election sexual violence cases had been prosecuted in Nairobi. It is important to understand this violence against a backdrop of consistently high levels of violence targeting both men and women—a recognized risk factor for violence against women anywhere in the world. A study in The Lancet, for example, notes that the risk of IPV ‘is greatest in societies where the use of violence in many situations is a socially accepted norm’ (Jewkes, 2002, p. 1423). Cross-cultural studies suggest that IPV is much more frequent in societies where violence is ‘usual in conflict situations and political struggles’ (p. 1428). Kenya’s history is littered with the use of state-sanctioned violence, including widespread, systematic, and grave human rights abuses committed during colonial times and by Kenyan administrations since (Elkins, 2005; KHRC, 2011a, p. 8).10 Ordinary citizens also frequently resort to violence as a dispute resolution mechanism; inter-communal clashes and killings, forced evictions and displacements, mob lynchings, school arson by students, and inter-familial revenge killings and suicides are all regularly reported by the media. Electionrelated violence often occurs in the run-up to, during, and after voting. Physical abuse of children,12 under the guise of ‘disciplinary’ measures, is also commonly reported. Details: Geneva, SWIT: Small Arms Survey, 2013. 80p. Source: Internet Resource: Working Paper 13: Accessed February 4, 2013 at: http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/F-Working-papers/SAS-WP13-VAW-Nairobi.pdf Year: 2013 Country: Kenya Keywords: Battered Women (Kenya) Shelf Number: 127468 |
Author: Amnesty International Title: Police Reform in Kenya: "A Drop in the Ocean" Summary: Kenya is in the midst of an ambitious reform programme, including wholesale reform of its police force, and as the country approaches the March 2013 general elections, the sense of urgency around the implementation of police reform is palpable. Laws passed in 2011 contain an ambitious framework for police reform, which, if fully implemented would overhaul the structure of the police force to address shortcomings which permit and perpetuate impunity for police abuses, establish an independent police oversight authority for the first time and new standards of conduct for the police. However, while some measures have been undertaken, many of the most important reforms have yet to be carried forward raising concerns of a lack of political will to implement the reform agenda. The Acts guiding the police reform have not been put into practice in time for the general elections. As a result, the very same policing structures blamed by many for serious human rights violations during the 2007-2008 post-election violence remain in place for the 2013 elections. The lack of progress in implementing the reform agenda increases the risk of human rights abuses and limits the preparedness of the police to handle such abuses in a fair and effective manner. The police were incapable of preventing, containing and managing the 2007-2008 post-election violence and some police actively engaged in human rights violations. In this report, Amnesty International urges the Government of Kenya to fully commit to the police reform process. By taking immediate steps ahead of the March 2013 elections, and by prioritizing the implementation of reform immediately after the elections, the Government of Kenya can finally end the impunity which the police have enjoyed for far too long. It must not miss this opportunity. Details: London: Amnesty International, 2013. 40p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 19, 2013 at: http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/AFR32/001/2013/en/9c3fb77e-16e2-49e0-94ec-d3c9f0e9f9e2/afr320012013en.pdf Year: 2013 Country: Kenya Keywords: Police Shelf Number: 127650 |
Author: Mkutu, Kennedy Title: Policing the Periphery: Opportunities and Challenges for Kenya Police Reserves Summary: More than 80 per cent of Kenya consists of arid and semi-arid lands and across much of this area the main visible security force is not the police, but the Kenya Police reservists (KPRs). The Kenya Police Reserve (KPR) is an auxiliary force detached from the Kenya Police Service and is made up of volunteers operating within their own localities. KPRs are armed by the state to supplement the role of the police in providing security where police presence is low. They often guard pastoralist cattle kraals (enclosures) and move with cattle caravans to protect them against raids by other pastoral groups. Locals have mixed opinions as to the value of KPRs. For many they provide an important first response to insecurity in remote communities where there is heavy reliance on their local knowledge and ability to operate in harsh climates and over difficult terrain, and to provide security against resource-based conflicts and cattle raiding. A Turkana-based Catholic priest remarked: In urban areas they do the arrests and they are used by police on most missions. In some areas they act as spies for the police and General Service Unit. In the conflicts between Turkana and Merille and Turkana and Nyangatom they fight on the front line. They are acting as kraal scouts, animals scouts, [and] spies, and inform police patrol[s], but they are unpaid. For others they are a source of insecurity through firearms misuse, poor training and supervision, a lack of operational policy or governance, and an absence of any formal compensation mechanisms for any misdeeds they may commit or damage they may cause. This paper examines the various opportunities and challenges facing the KPRs in Kenya’s Turkana and Laikipia counties, and considers in particular the management and control of reservists’ firearms, given the wider problems of arms control and insecurity in Kenya’s peripheral areas. It seeks to relate the changing economic environment in rural parts of these counties to the evolving role of the KPRs. The paper highlights how each distinct context (Turkana with its natural resource economy and Laikipia with its conservation tourism industry) is adapting the KPRs’ traditional role. These new roles, as we shall see, are not always positive. Economic pressure, competition for resources (both natural and technical), weak or non-existent operational policy, a lack of oversight or governing structure, the attraction of secondary employment, and the constant flow of destabilizing small arms from neighbouring conflict zones are straining the KPR towards breaking point. Firearm misuse and criminal behaviour by KPRs are exacerbating tensions in Kenya’s remote rural regions. This paper will argue that without the immediate implementation of operational and small arms controls, the KPR risks evolving into armed militia groups. Details: Geneva, SWIT: Small Arms Survey, 2013. 86p. Source: Internet Resource: Working Paper 15: Accessed March 5, 2013 at: http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/F-Working-papers/SAS-WP15-Kenya-Policing-the-Periphery.pdf Year: 2013 Country: Kenya Keywords: Cattle Raids Shelf Number: 127840 |
Author: Botha, Anneli Title: Assessing the Vulnerability of Kenyan Youths to Radicalisation and Extremism Summary: Following the intervention of the Kenya Defence Forces in Somalia in October 2011 in reaction to the increase in kidnappings on the Kenyan coast, the threat of terrorism in Kenya increased considerably. Initially the perception was that the threat originated from Somalia and that Somali nationals or Somali-Kenyans consequently committed attacks in Kenya. As arrests were made, Kenya was confronted with the reality that Kenyan nationals were responsible for the majority of these attacks. This sparked introspection and the need to understand where this threat originated. This paper aims to provide an overview of the threat of terrorism in Kenya; to consider the drivers of radicalisation, especially among the youth; and to propose counter-strategies that policymakers and security officials might adopt to prevent and counter radicalisation. Details: Pretoria, South Africa: Institute for Security Studies, 2013. 28p. Source: Internet Resource: ISS Paper 245: Accessed May 3, 2013 at: Year: 2013 Country: Kenya Keywords: Extremist Groups Shelf Number: 128615 |
Author: Education Development Center, Inc. Title: Cross-Sectoral Assessment for At-Risk Youth in Kenya. Revised Report Summary: USAID/Kenya opened its description of the purpose for the Assessment of At‐Risk Youth in Kenya with a succinct description of the current political and development crisis the country faces: “The unprecedented violence following the 2007 presidential elections brought new attention to the large number of disaffected youth in various regions of Kenya. While limited livelihood opportunities are often cited as a serious risk factor and major driver of youth delinquency and violence, past experience shows that the issue of youth development is highly complex and multifaceted. Accordingly, a new generation of youth development programming in Kenya must take place within a cross‐sectoral understanding of youth needs, risks, and opportunities linked to the ultimate outcomes of reduced vulnerability, marginalization, and disaffection among at‐risk Kenyan youth. These outcomes can potentially contribute to objectives under the economic growth, education, democracy and governance, and health areas of USAID programming in Kenya. To better inform and direct programming for youth in Kenya, USAID is undertaking the … cross‐sectoral youth assessment.” USAID/Kenya requested Educational Development Center, Inc., (EDC) with its EQUIP3 program, to undertake a Youth Assessment, presenting a detailed set of questions related to youth challenges and opportunities in the areas of livelihoods, democracy and governance, education for livelihoods, democracy and governance, and health. The purpose of the assessment was to examine (i) the structure and characteristics of youth cohorts; (ii) the needs, risks and opportunities demonstrated by youth; and (iii.) a review of existing service providers and other institutions in relevant sectors that may address the stated needs of target youth. The primary question for the assessment was What are the specific sources of vulnerability, marginalization, and disaffection among Kenyan youth, particularly in areas affected by the 2007–2008 post‐ election violence, and how can they be countered? The Assessment was designed to analyze issues connected with: o Unemployment and lack of opportunity for gaining a livelihood o Inequalities in resource distribution and marginalization o Rapid urbanization and the breakdown of social values o Alienation and disillusionment—lack of trust in institutions and leadership o Ethnically based patronage politics and incitement, formation of gangs o Inadequate system of education and training o Spread of drug abuse, HIV/AIDS, and teenage pregnancies. Details: Newton, MA: Education Development Center, 2009. 161p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 22, 2013 at: http://kenya.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/Cross-sectoral%20Assessment%20of%20At-Risk%20Youth%20in%20Kenya_0.pdf Year: 2009 Country: Kenya Keywords: At-Risk Youth (Kenya) Shelf Number: 129128 |
Author: Mercy Corps Title: Understanding Political Violence Among Youth: Evidence from Kenya on the links between youth, economic independence, social integration, and stability Summary: What makes youth prone to engage in violent movements? And what program strategies show the greatest potential to mitigate this risk? Mercy Corps recently undertook research to better understand these questions, based on data from its Local Empowerment for Peace (LEAP) project in Kenya. The study sheds light on the debate over whether young people’s economic conditions are a major driver of violence. It provides hard evidence on a number of social, political, and economic factors that influence youth propensity towards violence in Kenya. The findings have clear implications for peacebuilding programs in environments like Kenya where underlying tensions periodically erupt into violent conflict. The results of this study lend support to the further use of economic incentives and promoting social integration among youth as pillars of peacebuilding programs in Kenya and similar contexts. The research also points to the need to expand young people’s political and civic engagement to significantly reduce their risk of participation in violent movements. Several Mercy Corps programs in Kenya and other countries have already internalized this lesson and are promoting constructive avenues for political participation among youth alongside efforts to improve their economic independence. Details: Portland, OR: Mercy Corps, 2011. 52p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 22, 2013 at: http://www.mercycorps.org/research-resources/understanding-political-violence-among-youth Year: 2011 Country: Kenya Keywords: Socioeconomic Conditions Shelf Number: 129133 |
Author: Masese, Grace Title: Crime and Violence Trends in Nairobi, Kenya Summary: This paper examines the phenomenon of youth crime in Nairobi especially in relation to youth gangs. The case pays special attention to the Mungiki movement and street families. It also examines some of the organized responses to crime of this nature. As the administrative, political and commercial capital of Kenya, Nairobi is a significant trendsetter in the country. The city holds approximately 3 million residents, 10% of the Kenyan population. An additional 1.5 million persons from neighboring districts come to work in the city on a daily basis. In addition the industrial satellite towns; Mavoko, Thika, Ruiru, and Kikuyu depend on Nairobi’s facilities such as water supply, schools and health facilities among other amenities for their survival. The city also provides services to a large population in the neighboring rural, peri-urban and urban areas of Kiambu, Kajiado, Machakos, and Thika districts. The status of Nairobi as a national hub acts as a powerful magnet for people from rural areas in search of better opportunities, resulting in a great strain on the city’s capacity to handle the influx. The growth of slums and mushrooming of unplanned and unauthorized settlements such as Kibera, Mathare and Mukuru kwa Njenga, within the city and its peripheries is a direct consequence of this migratory tide. Informal settlements are found in all the divisions of Nairobi. These settlements vary in size and density, are characterized by very poor environmental and health conditions, inadequate shelter, unemployment and insufficient services. Over 60% of the population of Nairobi resides in informal settlements.1 The problem of crime in Nairobi is closely associated with but not limited to informal settlements due to various reasons such as: • limited opportunities for gainful legal employment and consequently fertile grounds for the nurturing a sense of helplessness and hopelessness; • often neighboring most affluent residential neighborhoods makes theft and robbery an attractive option for idle youths • frequent eviction of the inhabitants from their residence pushing the poor into criminal activities; • easy hideout for criminals as formal social control institutions are weak coupled with inadequate accessibility among others. This is in line with the structural and organizational perspective that regards crime as a product of social change and its influence on behaviour in specific cultural, political, economic and social contexts. For example, forces existing in the deprived and demeaning conditions of living for the lower classes in society may push many of their members into criminal behavior, resulting in increase in crime rates;‘Crime does not happen spontaneously. It grows out of an unequal and exclusive society and out of lack of institutional and social control’2. The cultural perspective views delinquent behavior in groups among the lower classes as a protest against norms and values of the upper classes. Since lower class individuals are unable to achieve success legitimately they experience a cultural conflict, which is referred as status frustration, and often join in gangs and engage in behavior that is legally non-conformist. Therefore, crime has been viewed as sub-culture among certain groups that represent a value system directly opposed to that of the larger society. Details: Case study prepared for Enhancing Urban Safety and Security: Global Report on Human Settlements 2007. 24p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 22, 2013 at: http://www.unhabitat.org/downloads/docs/GRHS.2007.CaseStudy.Crime.Nairobi.pdf Year: 2007 Country: Kenya Keywords: Juvenile Delinquency (Kenya) Shelf Number: 129134 |
Author: Omenya, Alfred Title: Understanding the Tipping Point of Urban Conflict: The Case of Nairobi, Kenya Summary: This research studies the tipping point of urban conflict in Nairobi, Kenya. It employs the concepts of tipping points and violence chains. The research studies various types of conflict and violence at city level through literature and in three of Nairobi’s hotspots: Kawangware, Kibera, and Mukuru settlements, through participatory violence appraisal (PVA). The research shows that the most significant type of violence is political violence. However, cumulatively, other types of violence, namely landlord-tenant, domestic and economic violence, are more significant. Focusing on political violence alone makes other types of violence invisible. The study shows that political violence in Kenya is rooted in colonial times in historical inequity in access to resources, and perpetuated in post-colonial times through the mediation of ethnicity. The study unpacks roles of institutions in tipping conflicts into and out of violence; it shows that an institutional analysis of actors involved in tipping conflict into violence and vice versa is important in preventing violence. It identifies the tipping points at sub-city level and shows the complex ways in which these types of conflict and violence are interlinked through chains. Breaking these violence chains is critical to preventing conflicts tipping into violence. A key way of breaking the chains is improving the overall governance framework. Further the study shows that violence in Nairobi’s sub-city is spatially linked. Thus identification of violence hotspots is critical in dealing with violence; and spatial improvements such as slum upgrading initiatives, taking into consideration hotspots, can go a long way in preventing conflict tipping into violence. Details: Manchester, UK: Urban Tipping Point, University of Manchester, 2012. 68p. Source: Internet Resource: Working Paper #6: Accessed July 10, 2013 at: http://www.urbantippingpoint.org/documents/Working%20Papers/WP6_Nairobi.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Kenya Keywords: Crime Hotspots Shelf Number: 129351 |
Author: Hanum, Mari Rønning Title: Fear of Crime in Spaces of Poverty and Disorder : Youth's coping strategies in poor urban neighbourhoods in Nairobi Summary: After the post-election violence in Kenya 2007/2008, Nairobi has witnessed an increased society of fear, which in turn has altered the spatiality of difference in many areas. Moreover, the emergence of criminal youth gangs during the last decade and the civil wars in neighbouring countries that have resulted in increased weapon smuggling, are major contributors to crime and other insecurities. The purpose of this research is to identify youth’s coping strategies to deal with fear of crime in Eastlands, a poor urban area in Nairobi. The thesis wants to explore the dimensions of place, social relations and social identities through the eyes of the youth in Eastlands, in order to analyse how these dimensions affect their fear of crime. The aim has not only been to identify but also to understand their opted coping strategies. Both young people’s perceptions and observation carried out in the area have provided the necessary insights in order to understand the complexity of their identities, as well as other factors that may influence fear of crime. Details: Oslo: University of Oslo, 2011. 121p. Source: Internet Resource: Thesis: Accessed July 2, 2013 at: https://www.duo.uio.no/handle/10852/15949 Year: 2011 Country: Kenya Keywords: Fear of Crime (Nairobi, Kenya) Shelf Number: 129507 |
Author: Okombo, Okath Title: The Challenge of Mending Ethnic Relations in the Nairobi Slums Summary: Nairobi’s informal settlements and slums were the epicentre of the post-election violence (PEV) that erupted in December 2007 and led to massive destruction of property, looting, displacement and forceful eviction of some ethnic communities from their homes. In many cases, minority rival communities were forced to relocate to other estates where their community members constitute a dominant group. Slum-based vigilante and militia groups consolidated themselves into two main rival factions in order to defend their communities and lawlessness threatened to engulf the city. Despite the fact that youth were at the centre of the crisis, most interventions that were initiated soon after the PEV failed to involve them. It is against this background that the Citizens Against Violence (CAVi) in partnership with the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) sought to make a contribution to the country’s peace restoration effort, targeting six affected slums in Nairobi. In 2008, the “slum tenants and landlords dialogues” series began. This was a special intervention to reduce ethnic tension and reconcile the two groups so that residents could return to their homes. This led to the formation of interest groups representing the landlords and tenants respectively for purposes of formal negotiation, paving the way for some landlords to recover their houses and tenants to move back. The initiative also enabled youth and community leaders to deliberate on postpoll challenges in their estates as a step towards finding sustainable solutions to violence. Issues of cultural assimilation, access to land titles, widespread poverty and unemployment among the youth and fanatical support for some political players emerged as challenges that could still precipitate future ethnic conflicts. Candid discussions provoked many of the young leaders in the slums to aspire for better living conditions and improved socio-ethnic relations. This led in 2009 to the launch of the Nairobi Slums Assembly, a forum in which the young leaders from the six slums met every month to discuss specific issues affecting their particular environments and to come up with proposals which they then shared with the provincial administration, the police and elected leaders. In many cases, this has led to positive change as well as the building of bridges with the authorities. However, more work needs to be done. Integrated ethnic co-existence may be difficult to achieve in the urban slums without a multi-pronged effort by both government and civil society. It is our hope that sharing the findings of the project with a wider group of stakeholders will mobilize public interest and goodwill towards improving the conditions in the Nairobi slums for sustainable peace and socio-economic development. Details: Nairobi, Kenya: Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES), 2010. 61p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 2, 2013 at: http://library.fes.de/pdf-files/bueros/kenia/07884.pdf Year: 2010 Country: Kenya Keywords: Looting Shelf Number: 129508 |
Author: Mbete, Bibi Title: HIV, Harm Reduction and Drug Policy in Kenya Summary: Kenya - like most countries - has a long tradition of punitive drug policy responses that seek to eradicate drug use and trade. This is in keeping with the prohibitionist approach that has been dominant across the world for more than 100 years, despite overwhelming evidence that this approach contributes to high levels of HIV transmission among people who inject drugs, as well as many other harms. In recent years, civil society organisations in Kenya have started to adopt programmes and practices that focus more on public health and human rights - supported mainly with funding from international donors and technical assistance from international non-governmental organisations. As part of this effort, the Kenyan Ministry of Health has recently introduced guidelines and strategies for targeted and evidence-based harm reduction interventions for people who use drugs (see Box 1), as part of its HIV response. This briefing paper aims to review the recent developments in the response to HIV and illicit drug use in Kenya, and highlights some key recommendations to address the remaining challenges and issues. Details: London: International Drug Policy Consortium, 2013. 12p. Source: Internet Resource: IDPC Briefing Paper: Accessed May 12, 2014 at: http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/64663568/library/IDPC-briefing-paper_drug-policy-harm-reduction-Kenya.pdf Year: 2013 Country: Kenya Keywords: Drug Abuse and Addiction Shelf Number: 132329 |
Author: Ruteere, Mutuma Title: Missing the Point: Violence Reduction and Policy Misadventures in Nairobi's Poor Neighbourhoods Summary: Violence and crime are part of everyday life in many of Nairobi's poor urban neighbourhoods. While wealthier enclaves of the city are heavily guarded by private security firms, violence and protection provided through criminal organisations and vigilante groups has become commonplace in the poor neighbourhoods. The governments of both President Daniel arap Moi and his successor, Mwai Kibaki, over the years failed to measurably improve security for the urban poor. Rather, they reflected a narrow understanding of the problem as one of ordinary crime that can be stamped out with more robust policing measures. Given the complex drivers of violence in Nairobi, and the close associations between politics and violence in Kenya, a different approach is needed that addresses the underlying factors making the poor more vulnerable to violence, including their lack of access to basic services and economic opportunities. This report is organised as follows. The first section reviews existing data on welfare and violence in Nairobi's poor neighbourhoods and identifies key gaps in understanding. The second section unpacks official understandings of violence and crime, while the third examines various policy interventions to address violence in poor urban neighbourhoods and the limitations of these. The report concludes with practical proposals for a different approach to address and mitigate violence in Nairobi's poor neighbourhoods. Details: London: Institute of Development Studies, 2013. 30p. Source: Internet Resource: Evidence Report No. 39: Accessed May 15, 2014 at: http://opendocs.ids.ac.uk/opendocs/bitstream/handle/123456789/3192/ER39%20Final%20Online.pdf?sequence=1 Year: 2013 Country: Kenya Keywords: Neighborhoods and Crime Shelf Number: 132357 |
Author: Horn, Rebecca Title: Safe Haven: Sheltering Displaced Persons from Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. Case Study: Kenya Summary: In the first eight months of 2012, the Dadaab refugee camp complex at the Kenya-Somalia border registered nearly 6,000 new arrivals from Somalia, bringing the total population of the northeastern camps to 474,000. If the Dadaab complex were a city, it would be Kenya's third largest, after Nairobi and Mombasa. A similar population explosion occurred on the other side of the country, in Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya's northwest. Nearly 13,000 new refugees were registered between January to August 2012, mostly from South Sudan. The total camp population is now over 101,000. By August 2012, the total number of registered refugees and asylum-seekers in Kenya came to over 630,000-with 55,000 of these residing having migrated internally to Nairobi.2 Camp overpopulation and ongoing security concerns have led to extreme resource constraints and protection challenges. UNHCR's implementing partners report cases of aggression within the camps, including rape and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence. Further south in the country, 664,000 Kenyan citizens were displaced as a result of the post-election violence that occurred immediately after December 2007's presidential election results were announced.3 During the two months of inter-ethnic conflict that ensued, approximately 1000 cases of sexual and gender-based violence were treated by the two major gender violence clinics in Nairobi.4 Today, many Kenyans remain displaced, with entire camp communities still clustered in central and western Kenya. Security and service delivery to the camps is low. Rates of sexual and gender-based violence are difficult to assess, but assumed to be largely underreported. In an era of increased attention to conflict-related violence, we are now beginning to understand the continuum of sexual and gender-based harm that men, women, and children can suffer during armed conflict, in flight, and while temporarily resettled in refugee or internal displacement camps. Violence such as rape, gang rape, and sexual torture or slavery can occur during periods of armed conflict and may be perpetrated by different actors for different reasons. Those fleeing a conflict may still be susceptible to rape, sexual exploitation, or trafficking while attempting to secure transport, cross borders, and find lodging. Finally, even in settlement-whether in refugee or internal displacement camps or in urban centers-vulnerability to harm persists due to a number of factors, including lack of protective networks, immigration status, and basic resources. Displacement also increases vulnerability through new and exacerbating conditions, including the breakdown of family and community ties, collapsed gender roles, limited access to resources, insufficient security, and inadequate housing in camp settings. Refugees and internally displaced persons fleeing armed conflict or even natural disasters have few options for immediate physical protection from sexual or gender-based violence-either during flight or in camps. Further, the needs of refugees or internally displaced persons who also experience sexual and gender-based violence are likely to be urgent and complex. They may experience compounded levels of physical or psychological distress stemming from both conflict-related displacement and their experience of sexual and gender-based violence. Providing services to people with such complex vulnerabilities requires multisectoral approaches that address the special needs created by these circumstances. It is important to better understand the options for immediate safe shelter that exist in these contexts. In addition to providing immediate physical protection, programs that shelter those fleeing sexual and gender-based violence may help to facilitate access to other critical services in resource-constrained displacement settings. However, data about shelter-providing programs in these contexts is extremely limited. Evidence-based information about shelter models, client and staff needs, service challenges, and strategies is urgently required to inform policy, programming, and implementation guidance for international, national, or local entities that design or oversee these protection programs. Details: Berkeley, CA: Human Rights Center, University of California, Berkeley, School of Law, 2013. 113p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 19, 2014 at: http://www.unhcr.org/51b6e2fd9.html Year: 2013 Country: Kenya Keywords: Gender-Based Violence Shelf Number: 132529 |
Author: Botha, Anneli Title: Radicalisation in Kenya Recruitment to al-Shabaab and the Mombasa Republican Council Summary: Despite a history of extremism and unconventional political developments in Kenya, relatively little empirical research has been done to determine why and how individuals join al-Shabaab and the Mombasa Republican Council (MRC). This paper is based on interviews with Kenyan and Somali-Kenyan individuals associated with al-Shabaab and the MRC. These organisations have very different profiles. Al-Shabaab pursues an Islamist terrorist agenda while the MRC pursues a secessionist agenda; the latter has not carried out terrorist attacks. Muslim youth have joined extremist groups as a counter-reaction to what they see as government-imposed 'collective punishment' driven by the misguided perception that all Somali and Kenyan-Somali nationals are potential terrorists. As long as Kenyan citizens exclusively identify with an ethnic/ religious identity that is perceived to be under threat, radicalisation will increase. Details: Pretoria: Institute for Security Studies, 2014. 28p. Source: Internet Resource: ISS Paper 265: Accessed September 9, 2014 at: http://www.issafrica.org/uploads/Paper265.pdf Year: 2014 Country: Kenya Keywords: Extremist Groups Shelf Number: 133184 |
Author: Ouko, Edward Opiyo Title: Where, when and why are there elephant poaching hotspots in Kenya? Summary: Poaching for elephant tusks is a major short-run threat to the African elephant with land fragmentation a threat in the longer run. Due to difficulties in distinguishing poached ivory and ivory purchased from legal sources, the Kenyan government decided not to trade in ivory confiscated from poachers. This decision was announced to the world on 18th July 1989. Kenya burned 2,000 confiscated elephant tusks to show its effort and commitment to saving the elephant from eminent extinction. This study identifies the spatial and temporal clusters of elephant poaching incidences in Kenya and the associate d biophysical and human factors using geographical information systems, spatial scan statistic SaTScan, and boosted regression trees. The spatial scan statistic detected most likely significant clusters (hotspots) for time window of 1, 6, and 12 months. Similarly, significant secondary clusters were also simulated from the analysis. More elephant poaching crimes were confirmed to be repeated next to the protected areas boundaries, at lowlands and at mean altitude of 1300 meters above sea level. Areas closer to roads and rivers contributed more to poaching cases. High income regions recorded more elephant related crimes. Regions dominated by kaolin clay soils, bush-lands, forests, plantations and grasslands are main targets of the poachers. This study provides evidence of the existence of statistically significant poaching hotspots/clusters in Kenya and also identifies the associated factors explaining such patterns. The applied methods demonstrated their relevance and applicability in analysing elephant crime data to identify hotspots. Details: Twente, NETH: University of Twente, 2013. 87p. Source: Internet Resource: Thesis: http://www.itc.nl/library/papers_2013/msc/gem/ouko.pdf Year: 2013 Country: Kenya Keywords: Animal Poaching Shelf Number: 133796 |
Author: National Crime Research Centre (Kenya) Title: A Study of Organized Criminal Gangs in Kenya Summary: The aim of the study was to identify the nature of organized criminal gangs that operate in Kenya, the types of crimes they commit, their modus operandi including the command structure and networks, and to provide a rapid assessment of the public perception of organized criminal gangs and the effect of their activities on Kenyans. The study further sought to establish the extent to which organized criminal gangs have infiltrated the public/security sector. The scope of the work included; a review of literature on theories of crime and organized criminal gangs in Kenya and based on the study findings purpose practical solutions on how to address the problem of organized crime in Kenya. UNODC (2002) adopted the Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) Convention, Article 2(a) definition which states an organized criminal group as a structured group of three or more persons existing for a period of time and acting in concert with the aim of committing one or more serious crimes or offences in order to obtain directly or indirectly a financial or other material benefit. The UNODC (2002) further provided a useful framework for understanding organized criminal groups as comprising of: structure, size, activities, identity, level of violence, use of corruption, political influence, penetration into the legitimate economy and so on. In the context of methodology, the study had three major components; a survey of community perceptions of organized criminal gangs, key informant interviews development of case studies and secondary statistics. A total of 1343 respondents proportionately sampled across the eight regions of the country were interviewed using a survey questionnaire. Focus Group Discussions involving members of the public and key informant interviews involving senior officers from the provincial administration, police, CID, prisons, judiciary, business and civil society were interviewed. Other respondents were active, inactive and convicted members of organized criminal gangs, their relatives, friends and victims. The following case studies of organized criminal gangs were selected for in-depth analysis; The 42 Brothers, Mombasa Republican Council, Angola-Musumbiji, Sungu Sungu, Mungiki and Al Shaabab. However, two challenges became apparent in the conduct of the study: the sensitivity of the topic made many members of the public decline interviews or otherwise provide information for fear of reprisals and the lack of cooperation by some government officers especially in Western, Eastern and Coast regions. Literature on crime and deviance presents a consensus that there does not exist one vision about them but many. Each theory has its own history and supported by a distinct body of knowledge. Wilson (1975) was most pessimistic of all theories that made no manifest contribution on how to control crime yet crime is distressing and disruptive to the social order, it inflicts pain, subverts trust and community. Durkheim (1965) in anomic theory argues that, the source of high crime rate in organic societies lay in normlessness, modernization and urbanization. Neo-classical explanations of crime emphasize the free-will and rationalistic hedonism and it emerged as a protest against spiritual explanation of crime as initially formulated by the theologist St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274). Social contract theorist's position constructed ideas that included a purposive approach, natural and rational basis for explaining crime and the state's response (Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Montesquieu, Voltaire and Rousseau). Beccarias contributions to the study of criminology and punishment is largely summarised in the following prescriptions; seriousness of crime in terms of harm it inflicts on society; proportionate punishment in terms of crime committed, severity of punishment vis a vis the crime committed, promptness of punishment following commission of crime and the certainty of punishment. Biological theories of crime causation focus on the genetic make up of criminals (Goring, 1913). However Sharh and Roth (1974) favoured environmental factors in crime causation. Merton (1968) in strain theory showed that social conditions in which individuals find themselves force them to commit crime as it limits the appetites of those individuals to satisfy them using legitimate means. Crime then becomes a rational response to overcome the limitations. It is closely associated with anomic theory which explains urban, lower class and male gang delinquency behaviour. Learning theories imply that habits and knowledge develop as a result of the experiences of the individual learning (Bower and Hilgard, 1981). Learnt behaviour can be reinforced or not through punishment as in operant conditioning. Tarde (1943-1904) in the law of imitation showed that crime is a normal learnt behaviour (Vine, 1972). Sutherland (1924) in differential association theory posits that associative interaction generates criminality. In October 2010 the Prevention of Organized Crime Act was enacted and subsequently a Gazette Notice banning 33 organized criminal groups on October 18, 2010 issued. The selected case studies are part of the 33 criminal gangs banned by the Kenya government. The main findings of the study are: most Kenyans (55.2%) were aware of the existence of an organized criminal gang in the area where they live or elsewhere. Again 38.9% knew the organized criminal gangs by name. However 59.0% were too afraid to mention the organized criminal gang by name for fear of reprisals. Countrywide, a total 46 organized criminal gangs were identified by the public. In terms of government commitment to fight organized crime 58.0% were of the view that the government was not doing enough because many members of such gangs are known to the public but they are not arrested. There is also alleged collusion by some government officers with members of organized criminal gangs and that police frequently release them even when there is overwhelming evidence. There is a clear gender division of labour in organized criminal gangs between male and female members. While men undertake execution of tasks, women provide support services including sex, identification of clients/victims, food, spying and storing stolen property. Children play an active spying role as well as opening doors while the elderly specialize in oathing, recruitment, resolution of disputes, spying, and so on. In order to survive 39.7% respondents indicated that organized criminal gangs obtain support of its ethnic group and that ethnic support is crucial for their survival. The support of the ethnic group is either voluntary (23.3%) or involuntary (21.1%), according to the public. Ethnic members conceal the identity of the members. The intra-gang support exists in form of financial, advisory, protection and shelter, bailing out of court, payment of cash court fines, hiring of lawyers and so on. In terms of law enforcement, 49.1% of the respondents were not aware of any arrests of members of organized criminal gangs in the previous three years even when serious crimes had been committed by them. Corruption of the police, judiciary, political influence, lack of police cooperation, difficulties in identifying the members, delayed arrival of police, fear of reporting were identified as factors that energize organized criminal gangs. The use of violence by members of organized criminal gangs against their targets was confirmed by 68.3% of the respondents but intra-group violence does occur against its members too. A total of 30.7% reported that there is inter-group conflict usually over control or sharing of booty or lucrative business. Organized criminal gangs have infiltrated legitimate formal and informal business and scrap metal. Extortion from the public (34.3%) and theft (19.4%) and politicians especially public transport, car wash, motorcycle, rental houses, exhibition shops were the main sources of funds for their operations. Illicit drug trafficking, counterfeiting, armed robbery, vehicle theft, kidnap for ransom, extortion, livestock theft, firearms smuggling were identified as the other sources of funds for organized criminal gangs. According to 29.6% of the respondent's business people support and benefit from organized criminal gangs in terms of protection. A total of 25.8% strongly agreed, 21.7% agreed and 36.1% disagreed to the allegation that politicians channel funds to members of organized criminal gangs for support and campaign. In this regard 14.3% strongly agreed, 20.8% agreed and 48.3% disagreed to the claim that supporters of organized criminal gangs had been elected to parliament during the 2007 parliamentary elections. Organized criminal gangs in Kenya are more focused on crimes that do not require technological applications. In terms of effect of organized crime in society, (75.1%) respondents expressed more fear than before, (76.1%) do not feel secure, (66.9%) are more restless and 18.2% reported a close relative or another close person known to them had been murdered by members of organized criminal gangs and up to 16.8% indicated they had been forced to change residence and 36.0% now carry a weapon for self-defence at all times than before. There is also observed change in behaviour patterns for example, consumers of alcohol stop drinking much earlier than before, for business people they close much earlier. A total of 43.9% respondents were forced to change or review their travel patterns and 49.1% no longer go to certain places they frequented before. To business people the cost of doing business has increased and ordinary people have been forced to install security apparatus/services that were not necessary before. All the organized criminal gangs in this study had a clear organizational/command structure across the areas they operate including specialization of tasks. Idleness occasioned by lack of employment after school was a principal factor in the ease with which recruitment of new members is done. The study recommended the following: the policy makers in public and private sector need to devise ways that create employment to the youth to lower their vulnerability to join organized criminal gangs; the government at national and county levels need to channel enough resources to the police to be effective in crime prevention; since there is alleged or suspected collusion between some police and members of organized criminal gangs there is need for verification of such claims and those found punished; the media needs to play an active role by highlighting arrests and convictions of members of organized criminal gangs and the public needs to play a more active role by providing information to relevant government authorities for action. At community level there is need for institutions including educational and religious to educate the youth to live positively. In conclusion the increase in number of organized criminal gangs has serious implications for national security. Details: Nairobi, Kenya: National Crime Research Centre, 2012. 152p., ex. summary Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 1, 2015 at: http://ncia.or.ke/ncrc/phocadownload/ncrc%20-%20organized%20criminal%20gangs%20in%20kenya.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Kenya Keywords: Gang-Related Violence Shelf Number: 136931 |
Author: National Crime Research Centre (Kenya) Title: Gender Based Violence in Kenya Summary: Gender Based Violence is a criminal offence and a moral indignation as provided in the Kenyan Penal Code, the Sexual Offences Act 2006 and the Constitution 2010. GBV also contributes to health problems which ultimately translate into social and economic burdens for society members and the Government. It therefore impedes the achievement of developmental goals, for instance, in the context of the Millennium Development Goals and Kenya's Vision 2030. This report is based on a baseline survey carried out in 13 counties namely, Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, Machakos, Meru, Kiambu, Nyeri, Nakuru, Samburu, Kisii, Migori, Busia and Vihiga. The purpose was to establish the prevalence, cause and effects of GBV at the community level. The overall design was a cross-sectional survey while a questionnaire and interview guide were used for data collection. The unit of analysis was the individual while the units of observation were individual community members and key informants. Individual respondents were selected randomly with a priori decision targeting a sample of 80.0% women and 20.0% men. Key informants were drawn from Government Departments in the frontline of addressing GBV including National Police Service, Judiciary, Probation and Aftercare Service and Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Development. The existence and nature of GBV in the community was measured by respondents awareness of forms and underlying causes of self-reported experience of acts of GBV in ones lifetime and in the last 12 months from intimate and non-intimate partner; types of experience disaggregating for physical, sexual and emotional assaults; reporting of the acts; and institutional and community responses to GBV. Quantitative data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics and presented in tables and figures. The analyses were aided by EpiData and SPSS computer programs. Qualitative data were analyzed through identification of relevant themes and presented through descriptions and quotations. Some of the key findings in the report are: i. The most common description of what constitutes GBV was "bodily harm inflicted by man on woman" reported by 73.8% of female and 68.9% of male respondents. There was low level of viewing abuses on children as GBV, which seems to indicate that respondents generally considered GBV only in relation to "adult to adult" behaviour and not "parent to child" behaviour. ii. More men than women report GBV to be "bodily harm inflicted by woman on man" and "psychological harm inflicted by woman on man". This reflects a gender bias in which women "trivialize" the experience of men and a cultural change in which men admit being victimized by women. iii. Among the key informants, the Judiciary and Probation Officers demonstrated clear understanding of what constitutes GBV while the understanding of the Police and Provincial Administration was ambiguous. iv. Respondents generally reported existence of beliefs in their areas/communities indicating men's dominance over women in their areas; for instance, 52.5% of female and 56.6% of male respondents reported that in their community it is believed that "Disciplining a woman is a man's traditional right". Thus, the most fundamental cause of GBV is the traditional belief about men's dominance over women. v. The commonest forms of GBV mentioned by both men and women were "inflicting bodily harm/physical assault", "verbal abuse" and "rape". Clear gender differences were indicated by more women than men identifying "bodily harm" as a common form of GBV, and more men than women identifying "discrimination". vi. Lifetime prevalence of GBV was 38% for women and 20.9% for men while current prevalence was 37.7% for women and 48.6% for men. This shows that while women's vulnerability remained fairly constant, that of men increased appreciably in the last one year. This is consistent with the common belief about increased vulnerability of men as reported in the media. vii. Significant proportions of women (15.2%) and men (7.4%) had ever experienced sexual violence. While women's vulnerability to sex violence is well know, that of men is a new finding. Focusing on sexual violence in the last 12 months among women, rape was the commonest form (compared with sexual threats and sexual humiliation). More women (37.5%) reported having experienced rape (that is, physically forced to have sexual intercourse against one's will) from an intimate partner than a non intimate partner (9.6%). viii. GBV reporting was found to be low. Only 15.2% of female and 16.7% of male respondents who had ever been sexually violated had reported or had someone else report the act of sexual violence. Only 10.3% of women and 6.8% of men reported to have ever been asked at a health facility of any GBV physical or sexual experience they might have encountered. Among respondents who had ever reported GBV experience, most of them had reported to the Police and Provincial Administration indicating the importance of these institutions (even though the study found their understanding of GBV being inadequate). Interestingly, more men (56.5%) than women (32.4%) reported to the police confirming the general assumption that women are intimidated when reporting GBV. ix. Only a few of the respondents reported GBV to "mother", "father" or "religious leader", which raises a serious concern since these are the closest in providing immediate intervention. Details: Nairobi, Kenya: National Crime Research Centre, 2014. 116p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 1, 2015 at: http://ncia.or.ke/ncrc/phocadownload/ncrc%202015%20-%20gender%20based%20violence%20in%20kenya.pdf Year: 2014 Country: Kenya Keywords: Gender-Based Violence Shelf Number: 136932 |
Author: National Crime Research Centre (Kenya) Title: A Study of Election Crimes and Offences in Kenya Summary: The importance of crime and offence-free elections cannot be overemphasized. This is because such elections are a reflection of the importance of good political leadership and legitimate governance in the overall development of a country. Election crimes and offences in Kenya contravene the Elections Act 2011 in particular and other provisions of the Constitution and contribute to social, political and economic problems in society. The general objective of this study therefore was to establish the nature of election crimes and offences in Kenya on the basis of the 2013 General Elections. Emphasis was on the types and prevalence rates of election crimes and offences; factors contributing to election crimes and offences in Kenya; effects of election crimes and offences; existing election crimes and offences control measures in Kenya and their effectiveness; and challenges faced in the control of election crimes and offences in Kenya. The study was carried out in 20 counties in Kenya. The study was descriptive in nature. The population for the study consisted of adult male and female members of the public who were staying in the selected localities/counties at the time of the study. The study utilized both probability and non-probability sampling techniques. Selection of the study sites employed simple random sampling and purposive sampling. It was assumed that election crimes and offences were likely to occur in any county. Therefore, the counties were selected using simple random sampling of an arbitrary number of 20 of all the 47 counties. Specific sites for the study were selected purposively and these sites were areas surrounding county headquarters. Convenience/accidental and availability sampling was used to obtain the sample of members of public while key informants were selected purposively. Key informants were drawn from institutions which were stakeholders in the criminal justice system, management of elections, Civil Society Organizations, Political Parties and the Education sector. A sample of 1222 members of public who were 53.5% males and 46.5% females was drawn. Qualitative and quantitative methods of data analysis were utilized. Quantitative data were analysed through descriptive statistics using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The information was then presented in distribution frequency and percentage tables and figures (bar graphs and pie charts). The qualitative data was analyzed through interpretation of responses of the Key Informants. All information from the analyzed data was presented in themes guided by the research objectives. There are a number of findings from the study. Based on the categorization by the Elections Act 2011, the election crimes and offences are: undue influence, bribery, offences relating to elections, use of force or violence, offences relating to voting, treating, offences by members and staff of the Commission, unjustified use of public resources in campaigns, and unjustified use of national security organs. Based on specific types, there are twenty seven types, the most prevalent ones (with a score of about 10.0% and above) being bribery, voter/ballot fraud, hate speech and fighting. These crimes and offences are committed mainly by political aspirants/candidates, unemployed youth, supporters of politicians, party officials and agents and voters. Factors contributing to election crimes and offences in the study areas include: ethnic animosity, tribalism and clanism; poverty; unemployment among the youth; illiteracy among the electorate; incitement and use of abusive and derogatory statements by politicians; corruption in politics; and drug and substance abuse. Election crimes and offences have serious negative socio-economic and political effects on Kenya's society. The major effects include: loss and injury of human life through physical injury, trauma, sickness and deaths of people; destruction and/or loss of property; violence, disturbed peace, fear and tension among people including voters; ethnic tensions and animosity/hatred/enmity; poor leadership and governance when wrong leaders are elected; interruption of businesses; and forced migration, evictions and/or displacement of populations. There are election crimes and offences control measures which are also generally effective in most of the counties. These key measures include: civic education conducted by IEBC and CSOs; deployment of security personnel and patrols; peace, national unity and anti-election crimes and offences campaigns; enforcement of applicable laws by Judiciary; and IEBC Code of Conduct. The major challenges faced in the control of election crimes and offences in Kenya include: inadequate resources and insufficient networks among security agencies; corruption and lack of integrity in the electoral process; illiteracy and ignorance among the electorate; impunity and selfishness of political leaders; tribalism, nepotism, hatred and hostility; and inadequate cooperation and partisan interests among concerned agencies. The key possible solutions to the challenges are: conducting timely and effective civic education; provision of adequate and quality resources towards the control of election crimes and offences; and instituting stiff penalties for election crimes and offences. The major hindrances to free and fair elections are: entrenched corruption among politicians, tribalism, lack of transparency and accountability among responsible agencies and cash handouts to voters. Possible solutions to the hindrances include: conducting civic education on voters' rights and good leadership; strict maintenance of law and order; stiff penalties on those who violate electoral laws; promotion of patriotism and national unity; and facilitating the electoral body to deliver free and fair to all political parties. Based on the findings of this study, some of the conclusions drawn are that: Kenya's political elections are marred by election crimes and offences; the factors contributing to election crimes and offences in Kenya are social, economic and political in nature; election crimes and offences have serious negative social, economic and political effects on the Kenyan society; there are generally effective control measures to address election crimes and offences in Kenya; and that the control of election crimes and offences in Kenya faces a myriad of challenges. Arising from the above findings and conclusions, the study recommends: IEBC and other relevant stakeholders map election crimes and offences in the country and design elaborate pre-emptive strategies and measures towards preventing and addressing them for instance by deploying adequate security and intelligence personnel to detect, investigate and prevent the election crimes and offences before, during and after elections; IEBC, Civil Society Organizations, security agencies, Mass Media, Human Rights groups, Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government and Judiciary be adequately facilitated with the necessary legal instruments, financial, infrastructural and adequate and properly trained human resources for them to be able to effectively address the problem of election crimes and offences in Kenya with IEBC specifically being provided with and installing adequate and properly functioning electronic voter registration, voting and election results transmission equipment; enhancing awareness of politicians, their supporters, party agents, the youth, voters and all others involved in committing election crimes and offences through collaborative civic education and sensitization forums organized and supported by both public and private sector agencies; the IEBC, the Judiciary, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the National Police Service enforce election and other relevant laws uniformly and punish election offenders irrespective of their roles and status in society; Other key policy recommendations include: all rogue election and other government officials found to perpetrate election crimes and offences be relieved of their duties; the Police to pacify all organized criminal gangs operating in the country by among others, dismantling their organizational and operational structures and disrupting their funding sources and networks; instituting of economic programmes aimed at alleviating poverty and empowering all Kenyans in general and the youth in particular by way of opening up employment and other economic opportunities in the formal and informal sectors of the economy; encouraging and supporting inter-ethnic and clan activities (including exchange programmes) towards addressing the negative effects of ethnic animosity, tribalism and clanism with the National Cohesion and Integration Commission playing a leading role in this aspect; embracing a zero-tolerance policy on corruption by all members of public, state agencies and political parties; the Government to ensure equitable distribution of national resources, political and economic opportunities in all regions to guard against election crimes and offences resulting from the unequal distribution and competition for the same; and measures be put in place by both Government and non-government agencies to ensure that formal education is affordable and accessible to the majority of the citizenry through literacy promotion initiatives and programmes. Details: Nairobi: National Crime Research Centre, 2014. 114p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 1, 2015 at: http://crimeresearch.go.ke/index.php?option=com_phocadownload&view=category&id=4:preliminary-reports&Itemid=496 Year: 2014 Country: Kenya Keywords: Political Offenses Shelf Number: 136934 |
Author: National Crime Research Centre (Kenya) Title: Emerging Crimes: The Case of Kidnappings in Kenya Summary: The rising incidents of the crime of kidnap in Kenya have raised serious security concerns among citizens in general and security agents in particular. This gave impetus to the National Crime Research Centre to study the different aspects of the crime. Specific emphasis was given to prevalence of the crime of kidnap by type; motives and factors encouraging kidnappings; treatment, conditions and coping mechanisms of victims of kidnappings; effects of the crime of kidnap; the role of the Government and the community in kidnappings; interventions and their effectiveness in addressing kidnappings; and challenges faced in preventing and combating kidnappings and their possible solutions. The study was carried out in 20 counties in Kenya. The study was descriptive in nature. The population for the study consisted of adult male and female members of the public who were staying in the selected localities/counties at the time of the study. The study utilized both probability and non-probability sampling techniques. Selection of the study sites employed simple random sampling and purposive sampling. At least 36 counties in Kenya had been reported to have experienced incidents of kidnappings. The 20 counties were selected using simple random sampling of an arbitrary 50 percent of all the counties that had experienced incidents of kidnappings in each of the Nairobi, Central, Coast, North Eastern, Western, Nyanza, Eastern and Rift Valley regions of Kenya (formerly, the eight provinces in Kenya). Specific sites for the study were selected purposively after visits to respective County Commissioners who assisted in identifying areas that had experienced incidents of kidnappings in their jurisdictions. Sample respondents were members of public and were selected on the basis of their availability and willingness to respond. Key Informants were selected purposively because they were known and knowledgeable people in the subject matter. Victims of kidnappings and kidnappers for case studies were not easy to trace, hence availability sampling of victims and kidnappers was undertaken. Snow ball sampling was also used to draw and identify victims and kidnappers. A sample of 1326 members of public who were 54.8% males and 45.2% females was drawn. Qualitative and quantitative methods of data analysis were utilized. Quantitative data were analysed through descriptive statistics using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The information was then presented in distribution frequency and percentage tables and figures (bar graphs and pie charts). The qualitative data was analyzed through interpretation of responses of the Key Informants, victims, kidnappers and reporters from the institutions addressing kidnappings. All information from the analyzed data was presented in themes guided by the research objectives. There are a number of findings from the study. The crime of kidnap was found to be a major security problem occurring in all counties and the country in general. Several types of kidnappings occurred differently in the counties with kidnapping committed by a stranger being the most prevalent. Other types of kidnappings were: kidnapping committed by an acquaintance; being kidnapped and forced to withdraw money from an Automated Teller Machine (ATM); inside kidnapping; kidnapping committed by a family member and virtual kidnapping. Kidnapping committed by a stranger was more prevalent in Murang'a County followed by Kirinyaga and Migori. Kidnapping committed by an acquaintance was more prevalent in Kirinyaga followed by Murang'a and Nyeri. Being kidnapped and forced to withdraw money from an ATM was more prevalent in Nyeri County followed by Nairobi and Murang'a. Nairobi County was leading in inside kidnapping followed by Nyeri and Nakuru. Kidnapping committed by a family member was more prevalent in Nyeri, Kirinyaga and Nairobi. Virtual kidnapping was more prevalent in Nairobi, Nyeri and Kirinyaga. Findings showed that the majority of the victims of kidnappings were children and juveniles aged below 18 years. However, youth aged 18 to 35 years and persons aged above 35 years were also victims of the crime. The victims were both male and female but females were the majority. The majority of the victims were Kenyans and they and/or their families were averagely stable economically. The majority of the victims of kidnappings were mainly members of wealthy families followed by business persons, Government Officers and tourists. The majority of the kidnappers were mainly youth aged 18-35 years, they were males, they were of Kenyan nationality and majority of them were not averagely stable economically. The majority of the kidnappers were strangers, followed by acquaintances of victims, organized criminal and street gangs, romantic partners, family members and security agents. The perpetrators of kidnappings were found to be mainly strangers, followed by friends and acquaintances, criminal gangs and militia, romantic partners and family members and relatives. The findings showed that kidnappings were mainly executed by groups of kidnappers who, to a large extent, also used illegal arms and weapons against their victims. Most kidnappers used force to get their victims with enticing and luring being the next popular way of executing kidnappings. Victims were mostly kidnapped when going home, with others being kidnapped when on duty or business premises or when closing business. The motives for kidnapping were socio-cultural (including religious and moral), economic and political. Revenge was the major the socio-cultural motive for kidnappings, ransom payment was the major economic motive while overcoming and/or reducing political rivalry was the major political motive for kidnapping was. The factors encouraging kidnappings in Kenya included unemployment especially among the youth, high incidence of poverty, existence of gangs and militia, retrogressive cultural practices, instability and conflicts in some regions, inefficiency and/or corruption among some members of the security system, political competition and rivalry, marginalization of some areas, proliferation of illegal small arms and light weapons and competition for control of resources. The findings showed that victims encountered mostly negative treatments and conditions during kidnapping episodes. These included physical abuse, sexual abuse, being killed, mental/psychological abuse, confinement and isolation, poor feeding and being drugged. The effects of the crime of kidnap were diverse and included: causing fear among victims and other community members, disruption of social peace, post traumatic stress and depression, loss of funds through ransom, reduction of economic investment, closure of businesses, reduction of business profits, led to other crimes, disruption of educational programs and unwarranted increased cost of providing security. The community was found to participate in the increasing cases of kidnappings in Kenya in ways such as inadequate collaboration with security organs, lack of community cohesion and don't care attitude, poor upbringing/socialization of children, engaging in retrogressive cultural practices, apathy of community members towards crime and inadequate sensitization of children on kidnappings. However, some community members had also participated in addressing kidnappings through collaboration with security organs and sensitization and awareness creation on kidnapping. The best way for the community to participate in addressing kidnappings was through: fully embracing and increasing participation in Nyumba Kumi and Community Policing Initiatives, increased sensitization and awareness creation on kidnapping issues, increased community collaboration with security agencies and establishment of a hotline for reporting kidnapping cases. The Government was reported not to be doing enough in addressing kidnappings. Reasons given included: there were increased cases of kidnapping; there was slow response by security agents on kidnapping incidents and corruption in government agencies dealing with crime hindered efforts in addressing kidnappings. However, 41.6% said the Government was doing enough and argued that it was mitigating kidnappings using its security agencies through: increased number of security agents who are well trained; deployment of security personnel in border points; adoption of modern technology to fight crime; formation of special units to deal with different types of crime; swift response in kidnapping incidents by security teams; and arresting and charging some kidnappers. Improving Government's efforts in addressing kidnappings was found to require, among others, creation of more employment opportunities for youth, adequate facilitation of security agencies, instituting stiff penalties for kidnap offenders, undertaking more awareness campaigns, opening up of more economic opportunities in country, elimination of corruption, enactment and/or effective implementation of anti-kidnapping laws and increased collaboration with relevant stakeholders. Details: Nairobi, Kenya: National Crime Research Centre, 2014. 151p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 1, 2015 at: http://crimeresearch.go.ke/index.php?option=com_phocadownload&view=category&id=4:preliminary-reports&Itemid=496 Year: 2014 Country: Kenya Keywords: Kidnapping Shelf Number: 136935 |
Author: National Crime Research Centre (Kenya) Title: Human trafficking in Kenya Summary: Background This study sought to examine human trafficking in Kenya. Human trafficking is a serious crime and a grave violation of human rights. The general objective of study was to examine human trafficking in Kenya with a view to informing prevention, control and mitigation measures by agencies in the criminal justice system. The study examined the prevalence of human trafficking in Kenya, main types/forms, factors contributing to human trafficking; victims and their socio-economic profiles, survival mechanisms of victims and survivors; the recruiters and their socio-economic profiles; facilitators and networks, sources, transit routes, modes of transportation and destinations of trafficked human beings. The payment cost involved, socio-economic effects of human trafficking, intervention strategies and their effectiveness; and finally best practices in preventing and combating trafficking in human beings; challenges faced in preventing and combating and possible solutions. This research was initiated to provide detailed understanding of human trafficking in Kenya. Study Methods The study employed a survey design. This design of the methodology implied spending a lot of time in the communities where victims of human trafficking could be found. The techniques applied were the following: analysis of secondary reference materials, observation, unstructured and semi-structured interviews with key informant. Data was collected using questionnaire for Key Informants and Interview schedules for sample respondents. Data was analyzed using statistical packages for social sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Findings are then presented in distribution frequency and percentage tables and figures. The use of descriptions and quotations was instrumental in the analysis and presentation of qualitative data. All the data was presented in themes guided by the research questions. Review of literature identified gaps in policy and related studies is also covered. The field work was carried out in the across the Country in 20 counties that were sampled, with 735 sample respondents with 25 key informants drawn from institutions addressing human trafficking in Kenya and elsewhere. Key Findings Results of the study indicate that: i. Trafficking of people from Kenya to other nations was the most prevalent (external trafficking) in Kenya at 60.2%. 84% of the respondents indicated awareness of human trafficking and out of these, 55% indicated that prevalence of human trafficking was quite high, 36% indicated that it was medium and 9% said that it was low. On the most prevalent type/ form of trafficking, trafficking for labour scored highest followed by child trafficking and trafficking for prostitution at 58.7%, 24.1% and 17.1% respectively. ii. Forms of trafficking prevalent in Kenya were labour and sex related at 44% and 53% respectively. Trafficking involves children, men and women at 33%, 26% and 41% respectively. iii. Poverty and unemployment are the main factors contributing to human trafficking. In domestic poverty was highest at 47.1% and external at 37.6%. Unemployment scored second highest at 34.1% in external and 23.7% in domestic. iv. Victims of human trafficking are children, men and women and their socio-economic profiles are low income, poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, desire for well paying jobs, domestic violence and social exclusion. v. Most survivors of human trafficking engage in self employment as a survival strategy at 28.5% and doing odd jobs at 20.8%. Other activities that they are involved in includes; support from relatives and well wishers; Enganging in prostitution; Involved in crime,; Get counselling services; Get government/ NGO'S assistance; Live in isolation and Joining religious groups. For the victims they comply with traffickers as their only survival strategy vi. Recruiters of human trafficking victims are relatives at 40.%, businessmen at 23%,, friends at 20.9% , government officers, wealth people in the village, middle and high level professional, teachers, social workers and religious leaders. Socio-economic profiles of recruiters are middle and high income earners, individuals who command a following and respect from people. They are generally influential persons in society. vii. High levels of Poverty and unemployment in the country are the main facilitators in external trafficking at 25.7% and 26% respectively. Ready markets for casual labour and corruption also scored high at 12% and 11.6%. Others were ; Ideology of better life styles, Illiteracy, its a lucrative business, porous border points and lack of awareness (civic education). viii. 70.5% of the respondents indicated that most of the victims in domestic trafficking are sourced from rural areas and 21.6% from urban areas. In external, 42.2% are sourced from urban areas and 29.7 from other African countries. Other sources include institutions like schools, churches, children homes and refugee camps. Road transport is the commonly used in domestic trafficking at 81.7% while air is mostly used in external human trafficking The results indicate that victims of human trafficking in external are mostly destined in Middle East countries at 44.5% and 32.9% are trafficked in other African countries. In domestic human trafficking, most of the victims are destined in urban areas at 67.2%. ix. Agent commission's cost emerged as the major payment cost with 46.7% . However, 28.6% of the respondents indicated unawareness of these costs. Others which were listed includes; Transport costs, registration fee, reward for brokers and agents, Medical cost, document processing costs and money for food and accommodation. x. Awareness of socio-economic effects was at 80.1% with Brain drain/labour drain emerging as the highest socio economic effect of human trafficking with 21.6% followed by psychological trauma at 19.9% and social breakdown at 10.6% and increased insecurity at 10.5% .Others were; death; improves family income; loss of revenue; Violation of human rights and freedom; increased school dropouts and poverty respectively. xi. Of those who indicated awareness of intervention strategies, the following were listed as the strategies used to address human trafficking in Kenya: Strategic checkpoints for verification of documents, civic education by government and media, Arrest and prosecution of culprits, ban on night travelling and to certain destinations, enforcement of existing Acts, embracing the Nyumba Kumi Initiative, and youth empowerment through Uwezo fund. xii. Three interventions were used to rate the effectiveness of intervention strategies used to address human trafficking. Based on three, the study showed that these intervention strategies are not working. This is after scoring the following percentages on non-effectiveness: prosecution 58.5%, prevention 58.7% and capacity building 47.8%. On effectiveness, they scored 26.7%, 31.9% and 36.3% respectively. Comparing the three capacity building was the most effective at 36.3%. xiii. Poverty, unemployment and corruption are the major reasons as to why the business of human trafficking continues to persist in the country despite various interventions in place. Other reasons which emerged from the results of the survey are; Ignorance among the Kenyan people, Corruption in government officials, Advanced technology which helps in recruitment, existing laws being lenient on perpetrators, Kenyans being greedy for money, poor implementation of existing laws, trafficking being a lucrative business, porous border points, high demand for labour in developed countries and high Illiteracy level among Kenyans. xiv. Improving renumeration for the officials handling the issue of human emerged the best at 24% followed by civic education at 22% and Increasing surveillance and beefing up security at 13.4%. Others were; job creation , Effective legislations, Taming corruption, improving the economy, collaboration among stake holders and community policing. xv. Corruption emerged as the major challenges faced in preventing and combating human trafficking in Kenya at 41.2% followed by unemployment at 13.5%. Other challenges identified were ; Lack of effective laws to address the issue, lack of collaboration between the stake holders, lack of political will/ hostile border relations, Ignorance, collusion between locals and perpetrators, poverty, and lack of resources xvi. Taming corruption and creating jobs/ offering loans to the youths emerged as the best solutions to the challenges faced in preventing and combating human trafficking in the country at 23.7% and 19.2% respectively. Other solutions listed were; providing civic education, Reducing the gap between the rich and the poor, Increasing surveillance, Enforcement of existing laws, providing resources, vetting of officers handling the issue of human trafficking, Initiating community policing ,Enacting new punitive legislations, collaboration among stake holders and Creating a special police unit to handle the issue. Recommendations i. Strengthen detection and investigation as corruption is rampant and could hinder the same through Networking and Collaboration among stakeholders ii. Stakeholders in fight against human trafficking should embrace new technology in tracking and detecting the culprit, establish inter-link between local and international investigating agencies and training of investigators to be enhanced iii. There is need to apply the anti-trafficking law to investigate and prosecute trafficking offenses, and convict and punish trafficking offenders, including government officials suspected of complicity in human trafficking; iv. Enhance the use the anti-trafficking law or Section 14 of the Sexual Offenses Act to prosecute and punish child sex tourists; provide additional training to all levels of the government, particularly law enforcement officials, on identifying and responding to trafficking crimes; establish an official process for law enforcement officials to refer trafficking victims for assistance; v. The government should continue to increase oversight of and accountability for overseas recruitment agencies; increase protective services available to adult trafficking victims, particularly those identified in and returned from the Middle East; vi. Establish and convene the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Advisory Committee to coordinate the government's anti-trafficking efforts and oversee full implementation of the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2010; vii. Establish the board of trustees to oversee the National Assistance Trust Fund for Victims of Trafficking and allocate money to endow this fund; and launch and implement the national plan of action. viii. Prosecutors to widely use the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act. As guidelines for implementing the victim protection provisions of the anti-trafficking statute have yet to be developed, the government continued to lack a formal mechanism for identifying victims of trafficking among vulnerable populations. ix. There is need efforts to identify and protect all victims; male, female and child trafficking victims. Protection for adults was unavailable, including for the increasing number of victims in the overseas migrant worker population. Neither the Ministry of Gender nor any other ministry received a specific budget allocation for anti-trafficking activities. x. Efforts to reduce poverty and unemployment should be quickened to curb human trafficking especially of children and women. xi. Efforts should be geared towards protection, prevention and capacity development for the public particularly those in low income areas, with illiteracy and unemployed. xii. Recommendations strategies used to address human trafficking in Kenya: Strategic checkpoints for verification of documents, civic education by government and media, Arrest and prosecution of culprits, ban on night travelling and to certain destinations, enforcement of existing Acts, embracing the Nyumba Kumi Initiative, and youth empowerment through Uwezo Fund. Details: Nairobi, Kenya: National Crime Research Centre, 2014. 132p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 1, 2015 at: http://crimeresearch.go.ke/index.php?option=com_phocadownload&view=category&id=4:preliminary-reports&Itemid=496 Year: 2014 Country: Kenya Keywords: Child Trafficking Shelf Number: 136936 |
Author: United Nations Children's Fund - UNICEF Title: Violence Against Children in Kenya: Findings from a 2010 National Survey Summary: The 2010 Kenya Violence against Children Study (VACs) is the first national survey of violence against both female and male children in Kenya. The survey is the most up to date National assessment of households covering 1,306 females and 1,622 males aged between 13 to 24 years. The Kenya VACs was designed to yield lifetime and current experiences of emotional , physical and sexual violations for female and male children from the following age groups: - 18 to 24 year olds who experienced acts of violence prior to age 18 (lifetime events). - 13 to 17 year olds who experienced acts of violence during the 12 months prior to the survey (current events). The 2010 Kenya VACs was guided by a Technical Working Group (TWG). The group was assembled in view of their expertise in issues of children in Kenya and the mandates of their organizations. The findings from the survey indicate that violence against children is a serious problem in Kenya. Levels of violence prior to age 18 as reported by 18 to 24 year olds (lifetime experiences) indicate that during childhood, 32% of females and 18% of males experience sexual violence . 66% of females and 73% of males experienced physical violence and 26% of females and 32% of males experience any violence as a child. 13% of females and 9% of males experienced all three types of violence during childhood. The most common perpetrators of sexual violence for females and males were found to be boyfriends/girlfriends/romantic partners comprising 47% and 43% respectively followed by neighbors, 27% and 21% respectively. Mothers and fathers were the most common perpetrator of physical violence by family members. For males, teachers followed by Police were the most common perpetrators of physical violence by an authority figure. Emotional violence for both females and males was most often inflicted by parents. Regardless of the type of violence, less than one out of every females or males who experienced sexual, physical, or emotional violence as a child knew of a place to go to seed professional help. Most importantly, less than 10% of females and males who experienced sexual, physical or emotional violence as a child actually received some form of professional help. Females aged 18 to 24 who reported experiencing sexual violence in childhood were significantly more likely to report feelings of anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts and fair/poor health than those females who did not experience sexual violence. Three out of every ten females 30% aged 18 to 24 who reported experiencing unwanted completed intercourse before the age of 18 (i.e., sex that was physically forced or pressured ) became pregnant as a result. About 90% of females and males who experienced sexual violence as a child reported of a place to go for HIV testing. Among females aged 18 to 24 who experienced sexual violence as a child, about 7% had received money for sex compared to 2% of those who did not experience violence prior to age 18. Females and males age 18 to 24 who experienced sexual violence prior to age 18 (7% versus 2% for females; 53% versus 35% for males). Over half females and males age 18 to 24, regardless of whether they experienced violence prior to 18, believe that it is acceptable for a husband to beat his wife. Furthermore, 40% of females and 50% of males believed that a woman should tolerate spousal violence in order to keep her family together. Details: Nairobi: UNICEF - Kenya Office, 2012. 178p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 20, 2015 at: https://srsg.violenceagainstchildren.org/sites/default/files/documents/docs/VAC_in_Kenya.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Kenya Keywords: Child Abuse and Neglect Shelf Number: 137028 |
Author: National Gender and Equality Commission Title: National Monitoring and Evaluation Framework towards the Prevention of and Response to Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Kenya Summary: Gender Based Violence (GBV) is a human rights violation, developmental concern and a public health problem. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), GBV is, "Any harmful act that is perpetrated against a person's will, and that is based on socially ascribed (gender) differences between males and females." Gender based violence includes acts that inflict physical, mental or sexual harm or suffering; the threat of such acts; and coercion and other deprivations of liberty. The term "gender-based violence" is often used interchangeably with (but not synonymous to) the term "violence against women". The different forms of GBV include physical, sexual, emotional (psychological), and economic violence, and harmful traditional practices. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 150 million girls and 73 million boys experienced sexual abuse before attainment of 15 years. The Kenya Demographic Health Survey (2008-09) showed that almost half (45 percent) of women aged 15-49 have experienced either physical or sexual violence. The 2011 police crime report documented 2,660 cases of defilement and 130 cases of sodomy. The Violence Against Children study undertaken in Kenya in 2010 corroborated the existing trends of GBV in the country. According to the study, nearly one in three females and one in five males experience at least one episode of sexual violence before reaching age 18, an experience that can shape their futures in terms of their attitudes towards violence, their adoption of risky behaviors and their emotional health. The Commission of Inquiry into Post Election Violence (CIPEV) Report (2008)3 noted that approximately 524 or 80% of survivors of GBV treated at the Nairobi Women's Hospital suffered from rape and defilement, 65 or 10% from domestic violence with the remaining 10% from other types of physical and sexual assault. The report further observed that some victims of sexual violence already had HIV/ AIDS and others contracted it as a result of being raped and being unable to access medical services in time to reduce the chances of or prevent infection. LVCT Health's data on sexual violence from supported health facilities in the country recorded 4,944 cases of sexual violence in 2014. Women and girls constituted 90.8% of the cases whereas children under the age of eighteen accounted for 61.9% of all survivors reported by LVCT Health. In 2011-2012, the Nairobi Women's Gender Violence Recovery Centre recorded 2,532 cases of sexual violence. Details: Nairobi, Kenya: The Commission, 2014. 64p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 20, 2015 at: http://www.ngeckenya.org/Downloads/National-ME-Framework-towards-the-Prevention-Response-to-SGBV-in-Kenya.pdf Year: 2014 Country: Kenya Keywords: Gender-Based Violence Shelf Number: 137040 |
Author: Jakiela, Pamela Title: The Impact of Violence on Individual Risk Preferences: Evidence from a Natural Experiment Summary: We estimate the impact of Kenya's post-election violence on individual risk preferences. Because the crisis interrupted a longitudinal survey of more than five thousand Kenyan youth, this timing creates plausibly exogenous variation in exposure to civil conflict by the time of the survey. We measure individual risk preferences using hypothetical lottery choice questions which we validate by showing that they predict migration and entrepreneurship in the cross-section. Our results indicate that the post-election violence increased individual risk aversion significantly. Findings remain robust when we use an IV estimation strategy that exploits random assignment of respondents to waves of surveying. Details: Washington, DC: World Bank Group, 2015. 31p. Source: Internet Resource: Policy Research Working Paper 7440: Accessed November 11, 2015 at: http://pamjakiela.com/JakielaOzier-2015-09-16.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Kenya Keywords: Conflict-Related Violence Shelf Number: 137238 |
Author: Njuguna, Esther Title: Matching needs with resources: National Police Reserve and community security in Kenya's frontiers Summary: One of the key challenges faced by communities in Kenya's arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL), such as those in Isiolo and West Pokot counties, is the lack of proper management of the National Police Reserve (NPR) involved in providing security to communities. This has significantly contributed to the misuse of firearms - identified by locals as a significant security concern. Saferworld has been working with local communities in West Pokot and Isiolo counties to improve people's access to security services and their ability to hold local government institutions to account, especially in the use of firearms. This report analyses the needs of the NPR to determine what level of investment would be appropriate to make the NPR a more effective outfit for community security in the ASAL. The report focuses on the problems faced by the NPR, particularly in relation to their ability to respond to public demand for effective security provision. It highlights the challenges faced by the NPR and identifies lessons and opportunities for improving the professionalism and accountability of the NPR as a key security agency in the ASAL. Details: London: Saferworld, 2015. 28p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 12, 2016: http://www.saferworld.org.uk/resources/view-resource/1018-matching-needs-with-resources-national-police-reserve-and-community-security-in-kenyas-frontiers Year: 2015 Country: Kenya Keywords: Gun Violence Shelf Number: 137470 |
Author: Kageha, Emmy Title: Drug Laws and Human Rights in Kenya: Disharmony in the Law and Training Recommendations to Law Enforcement Summary: People who use drugs in Kenya suffer from violence, harassment, prejudice, and ill health. The government of Kenya increasingly recognizes the very harsh realities drug users face. Important steps have been taken to provide more space for harm reduction programmes. Details: Amsterdam: Stichting Mainline, 2015. 27p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 28, 2016 at: http://www.hivgaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/STUDY-REPORT-DRUG-LAWS-AND-HUMAN-RIGHTS-IN-KENYA-def.pdf?64ea02 Year: 2015 Country: Kenya Keywords: Drug Abuse and Addiction Shelf Number: 138443 |
Author: Andvig, Jens Chr. Title: Cops and Crime in Kenya: A Research Report Summary: This paper presents and analyzes most empirical research about crime and police corruption in Kenya that has been based on victimization statistics. It shows the wide variation in outcomes and draws implications of this for the potential use of this approach for police and crime policy. This is used as a background for the researcher's own victimization study which combines this information with a survey of police officers' attitudes and experiences. In a more theoretical section it discuss how officer rotation, crime registration procedures and citizen mobility controls may work when crime policies are considered as a set of collective action games where both police officers and community members are engaged. Details: Oslo, Norway: Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, 2011. 140p. Source: Internet Resource: NUPI Working Paper 794: Accessed May 18, 2016 at: http://www.einiras.org/Services/Digital-Library/Publications/Detail/?lng=en&id=136994 Year: 2011 Country: Kenya Keywords: Police Corruption Shelf Number: 139072 |
Author: Lowthers, Megan Title: Sexual-Economic Entanglement: A Feminist Ethnography of Migrant Sex Work Spaces in Kenya Summary: The recent anti-trafficking fervour as well as the moral panic surrounding prostitution has given rise to large gaps within migrant sex work research, especially in Africa. Despite this, sexual commerce remains a viable economic activity for many women in East Africa, a region where variable migration patterns are central to everyday social, cultural, and economic life. Framed by anthropology, feminist geography, and postcolonial theory, this research examines migrant female sex workers' everyday experiences across time, space, place, and scale from one ethnographic location in Naivasha, Kenya. In order to explore how different migration patterns and types of sexual-economic exchange are entangled, qualitative research was conducted among 110 migrant female sex workers and 15 community representatives. Emphasizing the public relevance of both sexual commerce and everyday migration, African literary tools also frame the migration stories of female sex workers originating from, arriving to, or transiting through Naivasha. This research reveals how street level sex work is reproduced amidst the current global political economy at migrant spaces including an IDP camp, flower farms, along East African highways, and through mobile phone technology. This research also contributes to a better understanding of the often excluded female sex worker - the displaced, migrant, or sex worker in transit - as a complete, engendered person by recognizing her complex lived realities, relationships, and risks. And while migration is predominantly associated with increased vulnerabilities, this research further demonstrates how different types of sexual-economic exchange through different migration patterns variously entangle victimhood and empowerment in complex ways. These findings are especially significant for interdisciplinary academic studies as well as policy and programming addressing sex worker migration in Africa. Details: London, ONT: University of Western Ontario, 2015. 228p. Source: Internet Resource: Dissertation: Accessed June 8, 2016 at: http://ir.lib.uwo.ca/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5082&context=etd Year: 2015 Country: Kenya Keywords: Migration Shelf Number: 139328 |
Author: Saferworld Title: Politics and Policing: Understanding the impact of post-conflict political settlements on security reforms in Kenya Summary: What role do political actors and politics play in shaping development outcomes? The concept of the 'political settlement' is increasingly prominent in peacebuilding discussions. This report focuses on Kenya: an important case study for understanding the of role political dynamics in determining the pace and nature of security sector reform. Kenya's post-election violence in late 2007 and early 2008 - where police were found to have committed human rights abuses - triggered the development of an ambitious blueprint for security reform, including the professionalisation and transformation of the national police service. Kenya's political elite committed to delivering changes in police structure and behaviour through the National Accord and Reconciliation Act 2008 (NARA), as well as the Constitution of Kenya 2010. Reforms and changes were subsequently detailed in a significant number of new policing laws such as National Police Service Commission Act 2011, National Police Service Act 2011 and Independent Police Oversight Authority 2011. But how did the political elite, national police institutions and pro-reform actors interact to make police reform a reality? And what impact did that process have on security transformation in practice? This report highlights how control over the police service emerged as one of several key battlegrounds on which a power struggle took place within the Kenyan political elite reshaped by NARA. And after 2013, when the Act came to an end, new political coalitions sought to influence reform measures challenging centralised control over senior police appointments and strategy. The September 2013 Westgate shopping mall attack in Nairobi - and increasing fears around violent extremism - were context for legitimising the reassertion of central control over the police. This report provides a context-specific and policy-relevant application of the 'political settlements' concept in Kenya. Findings have implications for a number of people and institutions engaged in the security sector reform process; suggesting a need for realistic and politically aware programming based on analysis of the policing context and the conditions in which transformation is likely to take place. Details: London: Saferworld, 2016. 16p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 1, 2016 at: http://www.saferworld.org.uk/resources/view-resource/1082-politics-and-policingaunderstanding-the-impact-of-post-conflict-politicalasettlements-on-security-reforms-in-kenya Year: 2016 Country: Kenya Keywords: Peacebuilding Shelf Number: 139917 |
Author: Ochola, Gumbi Vincent Title: The effect of contraband smuggling on rehabilitation of inmates in Kenya: the case of Kamiti maximum prison Summary: The main mission of Kamiti Maximum prison is to rehabilitate its inmates in order to make good citizens once they are out of the facility. Contraband on the other hand finds their way into the prison via different means hence posing a great challenge to the process of rehabilitation. The aim of this study therefore was to find out how the contraband are smuggled into prison, why inmates use contraband and to examine the effect of contraband on inmates‟ rehabilitation. This qualitative research among 36 Prison Officers and 70 inmates examined the effect and use of contraband. It is clear that there are several routes of entry and reasons why inmates use contraband. This study has shown that the most popular routes of entry is through members of staff, during social visits and contraband thrown over perimeter walls of the prison at 25%, 19% and 17% respectively. Majority of inmates (63%) use contraband as a form of currency to make prison life more comfortable and maintain own contraband use. This study also reveals the negative effect associated with contraband use including an increase in insecurity, namely bullying, violence and withdrawal. It is essential that prisons provide adequate detoxification to reduce withdrawal symptoms and alleviate their need to import or purchase illegal drugs. Prisons must increase their efforts to reduce supply. This will reduce opportunistic use, and with it the risk of prisoners developing ‟jail habits‟ in custody. Devising a policy for tackling contraband in prison is prudent for major contribution in reducing criminal behaviour in prison as well as offences outside prisons. Finally it is essential to recognise that increased security has significant effects; it can disorganise and eliminate contraband supply routes. Details: Nairobi City, Kenya: Kenyatta University, 2015. 70p. Source: Internet Resource: Dissertation: Accessed September 2, 2016 at: http://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/13790 Year: 2015 Country: Kenya Keywords: Contraband Shelf Number: 140115 |
Author: International Institute for Legislative Affairs (ILA) Title: Tobacco Industry Interference in Kenya: Exposing the tactics Summary: The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in its preamble recognizes '..the need to be alert to any efforts of the tobacco industry to undermine or subvert tobacco control efforts and the need to be informed of the activities of the tobacco industry that have a negative impact on tobacco control efforts.' In Article 5.3 the FCTC goes on to urge parties to protect public health policies relating to tobacco control from commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry in accordance with national law. This report is the first step for Kenya towards achieving the spirit of the FCTC in relation to the tobacco industry. The overall objective of this assessment is to better understand the TI presence, operations and tactics in Kenya as well as the policies and structures that exist in relation to countering tobacco industry interference. Section one of the report provides a background with a brief situational analysis of the status of the country in so far as tobacco control is concerned. It recognizes that the country signed and ratified the FCTC and domesticated the same through the Tobacco Control Act of 2007, and has gone ahead to develop a National Tobacco Control Action Plan (NTCAP) for the period 2010- 2015. These are clear indications of the Government's commitment to tobacco control. This section then provides a brief on the objectives of this assessment and the methodology used to collect the data. Section two gives an outline of tobacco farming, manufacture & trade and their impact on the country. We get to see that the total acreage covered by tobacco represents only 0.5% of the total arable land in Kenya. We also find out the estimated numbers of tobacco farmers and how they are linked to the tobacco companies as well as the socio- economic impact of tobacco farming including poverty, child labour and the health complications arising from tobacco farming. Under manufacture the report indicates that while there is an increase in the overall production, the dominance previously enjoyed by the British American Tobacco Kenya Limited (BATK) has been broken with the entry and growth of Mastermind Tobacco Kenya Limited (MTK). We also see that the consumer market in Kenya is continuously being flooded with locally manufactured tobacco products as well as imports in equal measure. These products range from smoke to non smoke and their real (as opposed to nominal) prices are actually reducing making them more affordable and accessible to the greater population; especially the youth who are the main targets of the industry. We also get to understand the contribution of this business to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and revenues collected. Section three interrogates the activities/ tactics and targets of the tobacco industry including Tobacco Advertising Promotion & Sponsorship (TAPS), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), interference with policy and legislative processes, intimidation & litigation, use of front groups, smuggling and illicit trade of tobacco products. In section four we get to understand the FCTC Article 5.3 implementation in the country by looking at the stakeholders in tobacco control and their specific roles, existing Government structures that address TI interference and the efforts that have been put in place to hold the industry accountable to its activities. It is clear from this section that TI information is inaccessible and sharing of the same is done on an ad hoc basis, creating a challenge in countering the industry tactics both by the Government and the other relevant stakeholders. Finally section five provides some conclusions and recommendations to the Government and other stakeholders for better understanding of the Tobacco Industry that will facilitate countering of their activities and effective implementation of Tobacco Control in Kenya. Details: Nairobi, Kenya: ILA, 2013. 46p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 8, 2016 at: http://ilakenya.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Ti_interference_in_Kenya.pdf Year: 2013 Country: Kenya Keywords: Tobacco Control Shelf Number: 140243 |
Author: Khalil, James Title: Qualitative Study on Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Programming Under the Kenya Transition Initiative (KTI) Summary: While Kenya received global attention in September 2013 due to the attack at the Westgate shopping mall, this event represents just one of many violent incidents in the country over recent years, often considered to be in part a spill-over from instability in Somalia. The tensions in Coastal Kenya also take additional forms and are driven to a considerable degree by the perceived political and economic marginalisation of the region. Drawing upon professed historical injustices, the Mombasa Republican Council (MRC) reportedly relies upon violence to promote independence, and has encouraged local residents to boycott elections. Tensions between Christians and Muslims are also pronounced on the Coast, particularly after the killing of prominent Muslim clerics such as Aboud Rogo. In this context fits the Kenya Transition Initiative (KTI) and its Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) programme. Since 2011 KTI has been operational in Eastleigh and its environs, and in 2012 it expanded to the Coastal regions of Lamu, Kilifi, Kwale, Malindi and Mombasa. The KTI programme was essentially a pilot of the new CVE concept, operating through flexible funding mechanisms that supported individuals, networks and organisations, often with small grants implemented over a short duration. The grants were designed to target the key ‘push’ and ‘pull’ factors responsible for driving Violent Extremism (VE). As understood by KTI, the former ‘drive youth to join extremist movements,’ whereas the latter ‘attract youth towards extremism as an emotional struggle for purpose, direction and identity.’1 Examples of push factors may include, for instance, police harassment, elevated unemployment and racial profiling, whereas KTI’s identified pull factors included personal appeal of radical preachers and a radicalised religious environment. 2. THIS STUDY As part of the learning process during closedown, KTI engaged Integrity Research and Consultancy (Integrity) to undertake a qualitative study into its intervention. Following an introduction looking at the background, objectives and the study methods (Section 1), this report is structured loosely to mirror KTI’s lifecycle, sequentially focusing upon the research undertaken to inform the intervention (Section 2), programme design (Section 3), and the selection of grants (Section 4). This is followed by conclusions (Section 5), and a series of actionable recommendations designed to inform future CVE initiatives in Kenya and elsewhere (Section 6). The KTI Terms of Reference (TOR) largely advised our research methods, with a primary focus upon a review of KTI documentation being complemented by key informant interviews with KTI staff, grantees and other stakeholders, focus group discussions with grant beneficiaries, and grantee observations. Details: Washington, DC: United States Agency for International Development, 2014. 56p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 7, 2016 at: https://www.integrityglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/KTI-End-of-Programme-Qualitative-Study-R.pdf Year: 2014 Country: Kenya Keywords: Extremism Shelf Number: 145395 |
Author: Van Metre, Lauren Title: Community Resilience to Violent Extremism in Kenya Summary: Focusing on six urban neighborhoods in Kenya, this report explores how key resilience factors have prevented or countered violent extremist activity at the local level. It is based on a one-year, mixed-method study led by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) and supported by Sahan Research. Summary - Over the years, Kenya has conveyed an idyllic public image of a peaceful society in a region of conflict-ridden states. A much more contested narrative of a violent past exists, however. - Despite initiatives related to Christian-Muslim conflicts in the 1990s, a new regional security threat emerged, mainly revolving around the activities of al-Shabaab. - Groups like al-Shabaab understand and use a combination of political realities, socioeconomic factors, and individual characteristics that render many vulnerable to recruitment. - Qualitative studies show a relationship between heavy-handed counterterrorism operations by security forces and radicalization of Kenya's Muslim population. - A paradox has emerged, where emphasis on winning the hearts and minds of target populations has collided with the dominance of hard military and security approaches to countering violent extremism. - The challenge with a concept like resilience to violence, which is both ambiguous and dynamic, is "for analytical purposes" to identify a concrete and measurable relationship. - Communities that prevent the emergence of violent conflict, or rebound more quickly after it, have everyday capacities to successfully harness against extremist violence. Communities with genuine associations with religious members from different groups experience less violent extremist activity. - Fluid religious and ethnic identities, which might lead to higher tolerance of and openness to members of other religions and tribal groups, do not explain community resilience to violent extremism. - Communities facing violent extremist threats need to develop resilience capacities and strategies. Without commensurate capacity and action, threats can overwhelm even highly resilient communities. - Heavy-handed security approaches not only increase the risk of violent extremist activity, they also undermine community resilience factors and relationships. Details: Washington, DC: United States Institute of Peace, 2016. 48p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 7, 2016 at: http://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/PW122-Community-Resilience-to-Violent-Extremism-in-Kenya.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Kenya Keywords: Communities and Violence Shelf Number: 145392 |
Author: Chome, Ngala Title: Violent Extremism and Clan Dynamics in Kenya Summary: Derived from interviews across three Kenyan counties, this report explores the relationships between resilience and risk to clan violence and violent extremism in the northeast region of the country. Summary Recent political and social developments in the northeast of Kenya are threatening to weaken communal resilience capacities to violent extremist activities. Somalia-based Harakat al-Shabaab al-Mujahideen continues to influence the politics of the region and has proved adept at exploiting community risk factors in gaining a foothold in the region. The relationship between violent extremism and clan-based conflict is complex and has no neat overlap. Extremist recruitment in northeast Kenya is not based on clan membership, but extremist actors can take advantage of the close ties across the Kenya-Somalia border and the porous nature of the border to operate in both countries. Factors driving clan-based conflict produce a fertile ground for violent extremism, but the two are correlated rather than causally related. To weaken the influence of clanism, al-Shabaab leaders are circulating a narrative of victimization and alienation that attempts to unify Somalis and Muslims against the Kenyan government and mainstream society. Al-Shabaab's success in convincing Kenyan Somalis to join its ranks is determined by the interplay of resilience and risk factors in Kenya's northeast. Details: Washington, DC: United States Institute of Peace, 2016. 32p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed December 14, 2016 at: http://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/PW123-Violent-Extremism-And-Clan-Dynamics-In-Kenya.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Kenya Keywords: Extremist Groups Shelf Number: 140468 |
Author: Ngetich, Felicitus C. Title: An Assessment Of The Role Of Prosecution Authorities In Combating Poaching And Wildlife Trafficking In Kenya Summary: This study assesses of the role of robust prosecution as a tool for addressing poaching and wildlife trafficking in Kenya. This study argues that prosecution in Kenya inadequately contributes to addressing the problem of poaching and wildlife trafficking in the country. Based on deterrence theory, it is viewed that effective prosecution, as an indicative factor of effective implementation of criminal law, should have a deterrent effect on would-be offenders. However, this study suggests that prosecution of crimes related to poaching and wildlife trafficking fails to deter offenders. This is on the premise that for the prosecution of crimes relating to poaching and wildlife trafficking in Kenya to be considered successful; it must deter prospective offenders or repeat offenders from participating in such activities. When the successful prosecutions deter offenders, the number of occurrences of poaching and wildlife trafficking should reduce. However, if the prosecution does not deter offenders, then it follows that the problem of poaching and wildlife trafficking would persist. The first chapter introduces the study and gives a background to the issues. The second chapter is a literature review on the legal and institutional framework for prosecution of poaching and wildlife trafficking. The third chapter discusses the international and national legal framework governing wildlife crime in Kenya. The fourth chapter presents and analyses the results of the fieldwork. Lastly, the fifth chapter presents the conclusions and recommendations. Details: Nairobi: University of Nairobi Kenya, 2016. 137p. Source: Internet Resource: Thesis: Accessed January 27, 2017 at: http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/bitstream/handle/11295/99977/Ngetich_An%20Assessment%20Of%20The%20Role%20Of%20Prosecution%20Authorities%20In%20Combating%20Poaching%20And%20Wildlife%20Trafficking%20In%20Kenya.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y Year: 2016 Country: Kenya Keywords: Animal Poaching Shelf Number: 144930 |
Author: Kamau, Irungu Simon Title: Actors in Environmental Crime in City Slums of Kenya: the Case of Illegal Dumping in Mathare Slum of Nairobi Summary: Mathare slum is currently faced with a serious challenge of illegal dumping of waste. Waste poses a threat to public health and the environment if it is not stored, collected and disposed of properly. The main purpose of the study was therefore to investigate the actors in this illegal activity in the area. The study was guided by several objectives namely; To show the existing forms of waste management in Mathare slum; To identify the key actors in illegal dumping of waste in the area; To examine social and economic factors promoting this illegal activity and finally to determine the views of residents on how waste management should be improved. A survey was conducted, where 120 respondents from the area were issued with questionnaires. Six key informants were interviewed with in-depth interviews. Data was then collected and analyzed using quantitative and qualitative techniques. The results of the study revealed that 27.2% of households disposed of their waste in gutters, streets, holes and in the nearby river. In addition, 14.9% burned waste outside their houses. Only a small proportion of the population used proper disposal methods. The study also showed that 63.3% of participants who lived near a dump site claimed it to be inefficient, citing that in many cases, it was overfilled and authorities normally delayed in emptying the dump site. It was also discovered that no respondent had received any training on proper waste disposal from the relevant public authority. However, all respondents were aware that illegal dumping of waste could contribute to disease causation. The study concluded that proper education of the public, the provision of communal trash bins, and frequent collection of waste by the municipal could help prevent exposing the residents to diseases in addition to significantly reducing cases of dumping in the area. Finally, the study recommends a further research to be carried out in other slums possibly in other counties to find out if the same results can be obtained. Details: Nairobi: University of Nairobi, 2016. 86p. Source: Internet Resource: Thesis: Accessed January 27, 2017 at: http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/bitstream/handle/11295/99782/Irungu_Actors%20in%20Environmental%20Crime%20in%20City%20Slums%20of%20Kenya%3b%20the%20Case%20of%20Illegal%20Dumping%20in%20Mathare%20Slum%20of%20Nairobi.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y Year: 2016 Country: Kenya Keywords: Environmental Crime Shelf Number: 144926 |
Author: Ngugi, Rose W. Title: Security Risk and Private Sector Growth in Kenya: A Survey Report Summary: Crime is one of the major factors that define the investment climate or the enabling environment for private businesses to thrive. A favorable investment climate is crucial for private sector growth, as it reduces the cost of doing business. A good investment climate attracts private investment by assuring "business security". Security of both property and individuals influences the investment climate. Crime and insecurity in Nairobi and in Kenya as a whole has been on the increase over the years. Indeed, the recent upsurge in crime has been reported in the Economic Survey 2004. Furthermore, concerns about crime and insecurity have been widely broadcasted in the media and have been a subject for discussion in various fora, including parliament. In the 1990s, Nairobi was rated by the United Nations (UN) as one of the most dangerous capital cities and was downgraded from class B to C in the UN security classification. The perceived insecurity in Kenya has also created a negative image of the country within the international community. The Government of Kenya has recognized the problem of crime and insecurity as a major hindrance to rapid economic recovery; as a result, the need for enhancing law and order was identified as one of the priority areas in the Economic Recovery Strategy for Wealth and Employment Creation. Security risk affects performance of firms through various channels. Firms for example loose sales or face low turnover due to reduced demand/market scope, which is partly attributed to limited hours of doing business. Firms also loose sales due to inability to distribute products. However, a few firms, especially those providing security-related services benefit from a high level of insecurity, especially when the government machinery fails to provide adequate security. The competitiveness of firms is also lost due to either high prices of products in an effort to cover the costs of providing individual security or the disincentive to invest in technology that would see the products attain a competitive quality. Security risk also affects investment decisions. Firms may for example be reluctant to undertake heavy and new investments especially if the investment decision is irreversible. Firms may also opt to postpone making investment decisions due to the feeling of insecurity. Insecurity also increases the cost of capital because it raises the risk-premium tagged on financial capital. New entrants into the market may also be discouraged. Therefore, insecurity slows down business growth and deters employment creation and poverty reduction. The aim of this study is to establish the scope, threats and dynamics of crime and insecurity in Kenya. Specifically, the objectives of the study are to examine issues related to insecurity and crime in Nairobi, including the scope, trends and dynamics of insecurity and crime in Kenya; and to review the implications of crime and insecurity on the business environment especially in terms of private sector business operations and investment. The study was conducted in Nairobi City in Kenya. The study mainly utilized a survey design covering households, businesses, individuals and security workers. Additional information was collected from private security firms, community-based organizations and key informants from the public and private sectors. In selection of study respondents, mapping of Nairobi City was carried out to establish spatial and socio-economic characteristics. The city was stratified into 22 clusters to ensure appropriate representation. Respondents were then selected based on predetermined quotas along the different aspects of the study. Details: Nairobi: Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA), 2004. 135p. Source: Internet Resource: Special Report No. 6: Accessed February 15, 2017 at: http://kippra.or.ke/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_view&gid=219&Itemid= Year: 2004 Country: Kenya Keywords: Crime Shelf Number: 145330 |
Author: Price, Megan Title: Hustling for Security: Managing plural security in Nairobi's poor urban settlements Summary: Nairobi's urban settlements offer unique settings in which to examine the interplay between citizens' need for security, the state's inability to fully meet that need, and the opportunities this creates for powerful private actors. In Kenya’s capital, this situation has led to a context of plural security provision, in which an array of actors assert claims on the use of force, operating simultaneously and with varying relationships to the state. Despite the proliferation of active security providers, who range from opportunistic enforcers to tireless local guardians, most people in Nairobi’s poor urban settlements are exposed to daily threats on their person and property. Fieldwork in Mathare, Korogocho and Kangemi provided insights into how settlement residents must rely upon their social networks and personal attributes to ensure access to a combination of protective communities. Unable to call upon the state as the guarantor of public welfare, citizens must ‘hustle for security’, using their wits and their networks to assemble a tenuous patchwork of protection. The research identified not only the risks this creates for individuals and communities, but also how the propensity to resort to individualised security strategies can undermine the notion and the actualisation of 'the public good'. The paper concludes with proposals for addressing the more malign aspects of plural security provision, specifically, the need to curtail the providers' power and to work towards consolidating various providers under uniform rubrics of oversight and performance standards. The paper contributes to a comparative research project on plural security in urban settings that draws upon empirical insights from case studies in Beirut, Nairobi, and Tunis. Details: The Hague: Plural Security Insights Clingendael Conflict Research Unit, 2016. 32p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 3, 2017 at: http://pluralsecurityinsights.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/160707_PSI_Policy-brief_Nairobi.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Kenya Keywords: Citizen Patrols Shelf Number: 141309 |
Author: Kabete, Nancy M. Title: International Animal Trophy Trafficking: A Case of Kenya Summary: Globally, survival of wildlife in many range states is threatened by animal trophy trafficking. The trafficking has reached unprecedented levels with large volumes of animal trophies being intercepted in various parts of the world many of which originate from the African range states including Kenya. The study seeks to investigate why international animal trophy trafficking continues despite an established state agency responsible for the protection and conservation of wildlife in Kenya. Specifically, this study seeks to examine the nature and status of international animal trophy trafficking in the world; assess the efficacy of existing global, regional and national legal and institutional frameworks in addressing trophy trafficking; examine the factors that influence the rise of international animal trophy trafficking in Kenya; and analyse the impact of international trophy trafficking on national security. This study utilizes liberalism and rational choice theories. The liberalism theory guides this study in studying the cooperation among the multiple actors in international trophy trafficking. Moreover, with sustained motivation for animal trophy trafficking despite known penalties, the rational theory guides this study in finding out the reasons motivating involvement in this trade despite the enacted laws and creation on institutions in the fight against animal trophy trafficking. This study hypothesizes that animal trophy trafficking is rampant internationally; securing wildlife is dependent upon effectiveness of the international community, institutional frameworks and other actors discharging their mandates; and that a relationship exists between international trophy trafficking and national security. This study adopted a descriptive whose target population are employees of Kenya Wildlife Service and selected conservation NGOs with the data being captured through a semi structured questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential statistics are used in analyzing the data. Findings indicates that drivers of trophy trafficking are similar to those that drive other crimes including globalization, improved communication, underdevelopment and government laxity. Findings show that challenges that prevent deterrence to trophy trafficking originate from societal and cultural situations, national government law orientations and enforcement. Findings indicate that international animal trophy trafficking is rampant globally and ineffectiveness by the government in managing the crime is the greatest factor that influence the rising trends in trophy trafficking. From the findings, legal and institutional frameworks existing at global, regional and national levels have varying degree of effectiveness in the execution of the enacted laws and legislations which result into gaps that are exploited by the criminal syndicates regardless of the commitment and cooperation between countries towards the promotion of preventive intervention. These findings are in tandem with the liberalism and neoliberal theories because even for those states with adequate laws, governance is marred with self- interests perpetrated by anarchy due to absence of political authority and cooperation. This study further established that animal trophy trafficking has effects on national security. This study recommends that animal trophy trafficking be framed as a national security issue that needs global response through well interlinked governance systems in both source and consumer states. The existing loopholes in collaborative arrangements between the respective global, regional, and national agencies be streamlined so as to effectively execute provisions in various legislations deterring animal trophy trafficking. Considering that this study was conducted at the Kenya Wildlife Service and selected conservation NGOs, responses adopted may be biased due to contextual differences. This study recommends that a similar study is done cutting across other wildlife range states to allow for broader generalization and comparison of findings. Details: Nairobi, Kenya: University of Nairobi, Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies, 2016. 140p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 9, 2017 at: http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/bitstream/handle/11295/98748/Kabete%20_International%20Animal%20Trophy%20Trafficking%20A%20Case%20Of%20Kenya.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y Year: 2016 Country: Kenya Keywords: Animal Trophies Shelf Number: 144389 |
Author: Saru, Elema Wario Title: Poaching and the Funding of International Terrorism: A Case Study of Kenya Summary: The study has the aim of determining whether wildlife poaching provides funds for terrorism. It sought to answer the question; “what is it that drives wildlife poaching and international terrorism and whether the two have had any relationship between 2011and 2015?” The study further sought to establish the causes of wildlife poaching and the existing measures employed to curb the crime in Kenya. The scholarly literature reviewed has limited information on whether the two crimes have a relationship. The study objective assumed that there is a relationship between the two crimes and endeavoured to look for data to proof the same and found some relationship. The theory used by the study is greed and grievance developed by Frances Stewart and Paul Collier which explains how greed and grievance is motivating poaching of rhinos and elephants and that the proceeds have been used in terrorism activities in Kenya between 2011 and 2015. The methodology used by the study includes looking at the various sources of international terrorism funding and the role of wildlife poaching in terrorism in Kenya. The analysis of what mechanism was employed by Kenya in addressing the menace of wildlife poaching and its effects was made. The study established that proceeds from wildlife poaching had indeed funded terrorism in Kenya between 2011 and 2015 the difficulties of getting data/information notwithstanding. The study findings are that terrorism organizations need resources to survive and accomplish its objective and destruction of its economic base will hinder its operations. The resources required by terrorists include, money and other negotiable instruments, tangible resource, i.e. material goods with monetary value and intangible resources which are not materials where monetary value cannot easily be attached but have been traded for money. There are international, national and local levels of causes of poaching and the ever increasing demand for the illegal wildlife products where consumers are prepared to pay high prices for the product has been a constant reason for wildlife poaching. States employed various mechanisms in dealing with the scourge of wildlife poaching including law enforcement, stakeholders and community engagement and multilateral environmental agreements like CITES among others. The study has contributed to the body of knowledge through its findings and policy recommendations of increasing collaboration among law enforcement agencies, sustained financial, technical and political support by the national and county governments and recognize wildlife sector as a key component of Kenya’s economy and include wildlife crime in the category of economic crimes. Implementation of national land use policy that restrict subdivision of marginal land especially those within wildlife migratory and dispersal areas, lobbying for international ban on trade in wildlife and their products during multilateral meetings like CITES conference of parties, enhanced political support in making trade in wildlife and their products very expensive venture, use of mutual legal assistance mechanism in repatriating seized wildlife and their trophies and extradition of international smugglers and traffickers to face trial in range States where wildlife poaching takes place are some policy recommendation made by the study Details: Nairobi, Kenya: Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies, University of Nairobi, 2016. 135p. Source: Internet Resource: Thesis: Accessed March 10, 2017 at: http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/xmlui/bitstream/handle/11295/99749/Saru_Poaching%20And%20The%20Funding%20Of%20International%20Terrorism%20A%20Case%20Study%20Of%20Kenya.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y Year: 2016 Country: Kenya Keywords: Animal Poaching Shelf Number: 144446 |
Author: Penal Reform International Title: Community service and probation for women A study in Kenya. Towards gender‑sensitive alternatives to imprisonment Summary: Women and girls have always been a minority group in criminal justice systems, which as a result have been designed for men and do not address women's specific characteristics and corresponding needs. This was recognised in 2010 when the international community adopted the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders (Bangkok Rules). The Bangkok Rules outline the measures needed to ensure gender-sensitive treatment of women both in prison and those under non-custodial measures or sanctions. By encouraging the development and use of gender-specific non-custodial alternatives to imprisonment, the Bangkok Rules recognise that many female offenders do not pose a risk to society and that imprisonment has a disproportionately negative impact on their rehabilitation and their children's lives. Non-custodial measures enable women to better meet their caretaking obligations and address the root causes of their offending. They can only do this, however, if they take account of the distinctive needs of female offenders. It is worth emphasising that treating female offenders differently from their male counterparts is not unfair or discriminatory. In fact, the reverse is true. Women offenders have distinctive needs that must be identified and addressed so that they can receive equitable treatment. With financial support from the Thailand Institute of Justice, Penal Reform International and the Kenya Probation and Aftercare Service are working on a project to design and implement gender-sensitive Community Service and Probation Orders for women. This report is a first step towards that objective. How does the justice system currently respond to women offenders? What are the experiences of women serving non-custodial sanctions? What are these women convicted of? What kind of difficulties did they face when serving the sanction? What kind of support do they need to successfully complete their Order, and not reoffend? By answering such questions, this report seeks to inform the development of gender-specific policies that will respond better to the needs of women serving non-custodial orders. This report sets out the context and framework in which women serve non-custodial sentences in Kenya, and their background and characteristics. It then presents the research findings, examining the key challenges faced by women serving Community Service and Probation Orders, requirements for them to successfully complete orders imposed, as well as issues related to current sentencing practices. The report concludes with a number of recommendations which will be used to develop measures to address key areas of concern. While this report focuses on Kenya, it is possible to draw out common lessons which will be relevant for other countries and systems. Wherever they live, women offenders experience similar problems, including discrimination, stigmatisation, high rates of violence, and economic disempowerment, amongst others. The recommendations will be useful to all those interested in maximising the rehabilitative potential of non-custodial regimes for women Details: London: PRI; Nairobi, Kenya: Kenya Probation and Aftercare Service, 2016. 32p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 20, 2017 at: http://www.tijthailand.org/useruploads/files/tij_-_pri_-_kenya_full_report.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Kenya Keywords: Alternatives to Incarceration Shelf Number: 144507 |
Author: National Council on the Administration of Justice Title: Criminal Justice System in Kenya: An Audit. Understanding pre-trial detention in respect to case flow management and conditions of detention Summary: It is without a doubt that Criminal Justice System has undergone tremendous transformation in the recent past. The transformation process was further affirmed in the provisions of the 2010 Constitution. However, a few challenges persist that predispose the Criminal Justice System against the weak and indigent in our society. This is the first time in our history that our Criminal Justice System has been comprehensively audited, issues systematically documented and published. The National Council on Administration of Justice (NCAJ) commissioned the Audit on 15th May, 2015 in fulfillment of its mandate to ensure a coordinated, efficient, effective and consultative approach in the administration of justice and reform of the justice system pursuant to section 34 of the Judicial Service Act (No. 1 of 2011). The Audit led by a multi sectorial steering committee of the NCAJ took a period of eighteen (18) months to be concluded. The subsequent findings contained in this Audit were validated by respective justice agencies and are therefore are a conformation of the status and recommendations that should be taken forward to address conditions of pre-trial detention and case-flow management. This Audit sought to provide a comprehensive analysis of the Criminal Justice System towards providing recommendations to strengthen service delivery and policy reforms in Kenya. This Audit gives an independent and objective view of the material aspects of the Criminal Justice System. Subjecting the Criminal Justice System to this Audit was consistent with Kenya's development blueprint, Vision 2030, and the National Values and Principles of Governance set out in Article10 of the Constitution of Kenya. The Audit identifies institutions bearing a constitutional mandate to deliver justice to Kenyans/persons living in Kenya and areas that require further reforms within the Justice sector. Key findings of the Audit confirm that Kenya's Criminal Justice System is largely skewed against the poor. It is an indictment of a system that is expected to guarantee justice to people from all walks of life, including all forms of vulnerabilities. The Audit found that more poor people are arrested, charged and sent to prison as compared to the well to do. It was an interesting finding that economic driven and social disturbance offences which are rated as petty; such as offences relating to lack of business licenses, being drunk and disorderly and creating disturbance form 70% of cases processed through the justice system. A major concern as per the findings was that, serious offences such as organized crimes, capital offences and sexual offences were found to have the highest rate of acquittal and withdrawals. This Audit therefore should stir deep reflections by the NCAJ to capitalize on the Audit recommendations for institutional reforms in our policing and prosecution systems. Our new Constitutional order demands; transparency, accountability, participation and inclusiveness in governance. The Audit report will go a long way in supporting the implementation of this new order by providing a framework for policy direction for the NCAJ institutions in implementing their core mandates. Through this effort, Kenya therefore joins other Nations in establishing a baseline for improved service delivery within the Criminal Justice System Details: Nairobi: NCDJ; Kimlani, Legal Resources Foundation Trust; Resource Oriented Development Initiatives (RODI): 2016. 380p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 20, 2017 at: http://kenyalaw.org/kenyalawblog/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Criminal_Justice_Report.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Kenya Keywords: Criminal Justice Administration Shelf Number: 144508 |
Author: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Title: Kenyan Training Manual on Human Rights and Criminal Justice Responses to Terrorism Summary: Terrorism is a major challenge to the global community of nations. Acts, methods and practices of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations are activities aimed at the destruction of human rights, fundamental freedoms and democracy. The United Nation's (UN) Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy stresses the crucial role of respect for human rights and the rule of law as the fundamental basis of the fight against terrorism, including the need to promote and protect the rights of the victims of terrorism. It is in this context that UNODC, together with Kenya's Director of Public Prosecutions, launched today a new manual on Human Rights and Criminal Justice Responses to Terrorism tailor made for Kenya. "Human rights are at the foundation of UNODC's mission: making the world safer from drugs, crime and terrorism. Crime and terrorism prevention and criminal justice strategies must be founded on a human rights approach," said UNODC Regional Representative for East Africa, José Vila del Castillo, in his opening remarks. The training manual examines human rights issues that arise in the course of the investigation, prosecution, trial and punishment of terrorism offences, through an analysis of the Kenyan law, as well as regional and international law. The numerous cases arising from Kenyan courts summarised in the manual show that Kenyan investigators, prosecutors, defence counsel and judges have been very actively grappling with the complex questions examined in the manual. "The training manual will be used as a training and reference tool for investigators, prosecutors and judicial officers," explained the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Dorcas Oduor. "It will promote a shared understanding of both the terrorism menace and of the need to strictly comply with the rule of law and in particular suspects' fundamental rights. During the investigation, prosecution and adjudication of terrorism cases, we must not forget the importance of gathering evidence in accordance with the dictates of the law," she said. The manual, developed with the financial support of the Government of Denmark, was developed with the input of Kenyan experts, including through two expert retreats drawing on the significant expertise of officials from the Kenyan Anti-Terrorism Police Unit, Kenyan Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Kenya Section of the International Commission of Jurists, Kenya Judiciary/Judicial Training Institute, University of Nairobi Parklands Law School, Joint Counter-Terrorism Analysis Centre, Kenya School of Law, Kenya National Commission on Human Rights and regional and international experts from the IGAD Security Sector Program and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Details: Nairobi: UNODC, 2017. 288p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 1, 2017 at: http://www.unodc.org/documents/terrorism/Publications/Kenya%20HR%20manual/Kenya_Manual_e-book.pdf Year: 2017 Country: Kenya Keywords: Counter-Terrorism Shelf Number: 144678 |
Author: Murkomen, Kosgei Mark Title: Policing Strategies and Their Effects on Cattle Rustling in TOT Division, Marakwet District in Elgeyo Marakwet County Summary: The general objective of the study was to assess the effects of policing strategies on cattle rustling in Northern Kenya. The study involved 77 respondents, from two categories. There were 28 respondents from various police units and 49 respondents from the local community residents in the categories of elders, women and youth. 14 key informants were purposively selected from provincial administration officers, religious leaders, leaders of NGOs and CBOS dealing with conflicts. The respondents were selected through stratified sampling. The data was collected using questionnaires, key informant guide and observations in the field. The study utilized survey design to achieve its objectives. The study generated and utilized both qualitative and quantitative data. The quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS computer program and described using descriptive statistics. The qualitative data was analyzed using themes and trend analysis. The data was presented in frequency tables, percentages and charts. The study found out that cattle rustling in Tot Division led to loss of live and property, displacement of people, closing of businesses, poverty and under development. The study established that the following policing strategies were engaged to fight cattle rustling in Tot: peace building and restoration, deployment of more police officers, disarmament, arrest and prosecution, gathering of intelligence, stopping illegal arms and livestock trade, laws and policy framework, community policing and free and compulsory education. The study established that, the following socio-economic, political, cultural and environmental factors in the society impede the functioning of policing strategies in the area: cultural support for cattle rustling, political influence, organization of illegal arms and livestock trade, poverty and youth unemployment, rough terrain and hot weather conditions, and finally police low morale, poor equipments and training. The study found out that the policing strategies employed were not very effective in preventing cattle rustling. However some succeeded to a limited extent. Details: Nairobi: University of Nairobi, 2011. 82p. Source: Internet Resource: Thesis: Accessed May 1, 2017 at: http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/ Year: 2011 Country: Kenya Keywords: Cattle Rustling Shelf Number: 145227 |
Author: Capis, Salvatory Odhiambo Title: Socio-Economic Factors Contributing to Relapse of Reformed Convicts In Kenya: A Case of Vihiga District, Vihiga County Summary: Incidences of repeat offending have remained elusive amidst major efforts in transforming the societies for betterment. Correctional institutions have tried all that could be done to address notable negative behavioral characters but little remains to be observed. According to the Kenya Prison Reform Centre (KPRC), nearly two thirds of prisoners in Kenya re-offend within two years of release. However, factors that compel reformed convicts to relapse even after leaving prisons are not well understood. This study therefore examined the socio-economic factors that contribute to the relapse of reformed convicts in Kenya, with a specific view of Vihiga district. The study examined the following specific objectives: investigated how unemployment has contributed to the relapse of the reformed convicts within Vihiga District, examined Education as a factor in the relapse of reformed offenders within Vihiga District, analyzed the effects of drug abuse and how it has encouraged the relapsing of the reformed convicts within Vihiga District and assessed the attitudes of the community towards the reformed convicts and its effects in their relapse within Vihiga District. The study was guided by labeling theory to help understand how labels shape human behavior. The study area was Central Maragolli location of the Vihiga district. The total population of reformed convicts in the location was unknown due to the sensitivity of the attribute under study. The reformed convicts were therefore sampled through snowballing until saturation levels were reached. Simple random sampling was also done on Central Maragoli's house hold population of 5310 and a sample of 372 drawn based on Glen Israel's formula of determining sample size. The 372 households were targeted for a community survey. For the Ex-convicts, purposive sampling technique was utilized. 12 in-depth interviews were carried out with ex-convicts. The data collected was analyzed both quantitatively as well as qualitatively. The study findings pointed out that unemployment as a component of socio-economic factor contributed greatly to the relapse of the reformed convicts; with discrimination of the convicts leading the pack at 96.3%, suspicions rate at 83.9%, lack of locally viable skills at 83.9%, low educational levels and unmet ambitions at 64.9%. Educational level as a component of socio-economic factor contributed to the relapse of the reformed convicts with over 90% of those who recidivate being at primary levels while the number diminishes as one climbs higher levels in education. None was found to have relapsed at the University level of education. Drug abuse and addiction among the reformed convicts was also established to have contributed at 92.5% of the relapsed cases of the reformed convicts. Low and negative community attitude with heightened suspicions among the community members were among key factors that greatly contribute to the relapse of the reformed convicts. They have destroyed societal fibers meant to keep communities knit together. The study therefore concluded and recommended that; early identification and nurturing of local talents and individual initiatives be enhanced to reduce the future life explosion in the unemployment phenomenon. Programs that offer bursaries and other educational support as well as prevailing upon local leadership to initiate institutions of higher learning within the District to be enhanced in order to improve education standards. There is an argent need to domesticate and effectively implement the existing policy on drug use and abuse within the District. The already locally existing programs be effectively involved in transforming the negative community attitude toward the reformed convicts which increases their chances of relapsing after rehabilitation. Amongst others, the study proposed further research on challenges facing the Rehabilitation Programs on Offenders management within the community. Details: Nairobi: University of Nairobi, 2012. 114p. Source: Internet Resource: Thesis: Accessed May 24, 2017 at: http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/bitstream/handle/11295/56127/Capis_Socio-economic%20Factors%20Contributing%20To%20RelapseOf%20Reformed%20Convicts.pdf?sequence=3&isAllowed=y Year: 2012 Country: Kenya Keywords: Drug Abuse and Crime Shelf Number: 145764 |
Author: Muhali, Amboye Darius Title: Implication of Informal Urban Settlement on Crime: Case Study of Dagoretti North Section of Gatina-Waruku Summary: In the last couple years, urban crimes are showing increasing tendency. The increasing number of the urban inhabitants without prosperity improvement, makes the poverty level higher in the city of Nairobi. The direct effect can be seen from the increasing density and the existence of informal settlement areas. This become the push factor for the high crime intensity in the urban areas. The main objectives of this research is therefore to find out the relationship between crime happenings in the urban informal settlement in relation to land use, the spatial aspect and the seasonality of crime. By understanding the causing factors and its correlation it is expected that this research will serve as input in the urban planning in the future. This research employs explorative method with the empirical monitoring through observation, measurement and deep interview. Thus the research found out that criminal phenomenon in the settlement is influenced by poverty, land use, the spatial aspect and the seasonality indicating that crime occurrence was random in place and space. It can be only one of the above factors that influence crime intensity, but of the phenomena at site show some factors that influence one to each other. The example of the factors are spatial patterns, poverty and crime prevention. Thus the lesson that can be deduced from this research is the character of the land use, seasonality and the spatial aspect in relation to crime thus public spaces are needed to build interaction among members of the community. This interaction is needed to increase the solidarity and build community"immunity" against crime Details: Nairobi: University of Nairobi, 2017. 83p. Source: Internet Resource: Thesis: Accessed May 25, 2017 at: http://urbanplanning.uonbi.ac.ke/sites/default/files/cae/artsdesign/urbanplanning/Darius%20Muhali%20Research%202016.pdf Year: 2017 Country: Kenya Keywords: Poverty Shelf Number: 145796 |
Author: Mogeni, Evans Geoffrey Title: Economic Determinants of Crime Trends in Kenya Summary: The paper was intended to establish the major economic causes of crime upsurge in Kenya by using the Johansen Cointegration and VEC model, using annual data from 1975-2012 of gross per capita income, public expenditure on law, order, and safety, consumer price index, and Conviction. The time series stationary properties of the data were examined through the use of augmented dickey-Fuller (ADF) test. We established the existence of negative significant long run Relationship between crime and GDP per capita. Convictions also had negative and significant relationship with crime. Public expenditure on safety, law and order (PSLO) had positive relationship with crime. Short run Granger causality was established running from Public expenditure on safety, law and order (PSLO) to crime in Kenya. Details: Nairobi: University of Nairobi, 2013. 67p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 26, 2017 at: http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/bitstream/handle/11295/57891/Mogeni_Economic%20determinants%20of%20crime%20trends%20in%20Kenya.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y Year: 2013 Country: Kenya Keywords: Costs of Criminal Justice Shelf Number: 145802 |
Author: Musoi, Kyalo Title: A Study of Crime in Urban Slums in Kenya: The Case of Kibra, Bondeni, Manyatta and Mishomoroni Slums Summary: Crime continues to be a major scar on the peace and security landscape in Kenya. Whereas crime cuts across the country geographically, it is more prevalent, severe and acute in peri-urban informal settlement areas that are popularly known as slums. Security Research and Information Centre (SRIC), with support from the Government of Kenya (through the National Steering Committee on Peace Building and Conflict Management and the Kenya National Focal Point on Small Arms and Light Weapons) and UNDP Kenya has been conducting crime surveys - in its strategic role as a crime observatory - since 2011 in the greater Nairobi region and other select parts of the country. These crime surveys have consistently established that crime is a major peace and security concern in the major urban areas in the country particularly in the slums. It is against this backdrop that SRIC undertook a study on crime in four select slums in the four major cities in the country namely, Kibra (Nairobi), Mishomoroni (Mombasa), Manyatta (Kisumu) and Bondeni (Nakuru). For the purpose of this study, crime is understood to mean acts or prohibitions which are against the law (both written and unwritten for the case of societal norms). The main objective of the study was to contribute to better understanding of the nature, trends and dynamics of crimes in the four select major urban slums in Kenya and to formulate actionable policy recommendations. The study also sought to identify and analyse crime hot spots, criminal organized groups and impact of crime in the select slum areas. The findings of the study can thus be extrapolated to present a general crime status in the slum areas in the country as a whole. Various methods of data collection and analysis were used. Secondary data was mainly derived from previous studies and reports on crime and crime observatories including print media. Primary data was collected through questionnaires, interviews and observations. A total of 654 questionnaires were administered to members of the public in the study areas taking into consideration age and gender sensitivities. In addition, 48 key informant interviews were conducted. The researchers also spend considerable time during the study period in the study areas observing crime trends and patterns. The study used both quantitative and qualitative methods of data analysis. The quantitative data was organized, cleaned, coded and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to help generate summaries in terms of tables and graphs for easy analysis and interpretation. Qualitative data was analyzed qualitatively through interpretation of the responses by respondents and also analysis of secondary data on the subject matter. The study found that theft (35.37%), was the main type of crime across the four sampled slum areas. In addition, robbery (15.55%), burglary/break-ins (10.67%) and mugging (23.17%) were the other main typologies of crime in slum areas, accounting for combined 84.76% of crimes committed in slum areas in Kenya. The study also established that an overwhelming majority, 98.8% of the respondents, had witnessed crime being committed in the last three months of the study period. This can be inferred to mean that almost everyone in the four slums had either been affected (may be within the family) or personally experienced some form of crime. Asked to state causes of crime in slum areas in urban centres, 61.2% of the respondents cited youth unemployment as the main cause of crime. Poverty (11.3%) and illicit brews/drug abuse (9.5%) were cited as the other causes of crime in slum areas. Based on these statistics, it can be inferred that rampant poverty and depressed income levels seem to be the primary drivers of localized crimes in major urban slums in Kenya. Contrary to assertions by many researchers and reports that Kibra is the most unsafe area to live in, public perceptions on safety in this study demonstrate that comparatively, Bondeni slum in Nakuru town was the most unsafe place to live in (60.98%) followed by Mishomoroni in Mombasa (44.44%). Kibra was third with 40% and lastly Manyatta slum in Kisumu where only 36.9% of respondents felt the slum was unsafe to live in. Moreover, it was only in Manyatta slums that respondents felt very safe (7.14%), making it to be, in relative terms, the safest of the four slums. In terms of reporting crime to the authorities the study established that 53.21% of the respondents had reported crime to the police while 46.79% of the respondents did not report crime to the police at all. 42.2% of the respondents indicated that they had no confidence in administration of justice by the Police Service and that's why they would rather let the matter (crime) "die" than seek intervention from the police. 14.7% of the respondents indicated that they were afraid of the perpetrators, 18.7% indicated that sometimes they would not report any crime incident perpetrated or involving any member of the family/ friends, 9.2% indicated that some criminal cases were not serious enough to warrant the attention of the police, 7.3% posited that the police were not friendly and were thus afraid of approaching them while others indicated reporting was inconsequential since the police were incapable of recovering lost properties in cases of property related crimes. In addition and despite the efforts expended by the government, NGOs and the communities themselves to prevent and reduce crime in urban slum areas in the country, a majority of respondents (81%) felt that crime incidences remained high. Only 17% of the total respondents indicated that crime levels had reduced. The study also identified 21 organized criminal groups and or gangs operating in the slum areas. Kibra had 6, Mishomoroni in Mombasa 8, Bondeni of Nakuru 8 whereas Manyatta respondents in Kisumu identified 4 such groups. Extortions, levying of protection fees, muggings, heckling/disrupting political rallies and events, trafficking drugs and kidnappings are some of the common crimes committed by these identified criminal groups/gangs. It is also important to note that in Mishomoroni, Mombasa Republican Council (MRC) was not identified as a criminal organization or group. Maybe the respondents feared mentioning it or perceived it as a legitimate organization pursuing interests of the coastal people. In addition, the study identified 44 crime hotspots and times of the day the crime is likely to take place or committed. Kibra, had the highest number of hotspots at 17. This was followed by Mishomoroni (11), Manyatta (9) and Bondeni (7) in that order. It is interesting to note that based on public perceptions, Bondeni - with only 7 identified crime hotspots - was found to be the most unsafe slum amongst the four sampled slum areas. To ameliorate the dire crime situation in slum areas in the country, the study makes key policy recommendations to the National Police Service, National Government, County Governments and the members of the public. To the Police Service, the police reforms should be hastened so that corruption is reduced and accountability enhanced. In addition, the police should intensify patrols within the settlements, strengthen witness/informers protection services/ unit and equip the police officers with the necessary tools to enable them perform their work effectively. The National Government should address youth unemployment by increasing the uptake of grants such as Uwezo Fund and also ensure proper mechanisms are put in place, including subsidizing the prices of basic commodities, in order to lower the cost of living. On the other hand, the County Governments should improve infrastructure in slum areas such as erecting lighting masts and improving access roads. The public has a role to play in making slum areas safer places to live in. They should step up collaboration with police officers in detecting and reporting crime as well as avoid buying or trading in stolen properties. Buying stolen goods encourages the criminals to continue stealing. Details: Nairobi: Security Research & Information Centre, 2014. 72p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 5, 2017 at: http://www.srickenya.org/images/publications/slum%20Crime%20Survey%20Report.%20Thur.pdf Year: 2014 Country: Kenya Keywords: Crime Statistics Shelf Number: 145909 |
Author: Sana, Olang Title: Taking Stock of Socio-economic Challenges in the Nairobi Slums: An Inventory of the Pertinent Issues between January 2008 and November 2012 Summary: Kenya's post-2007 elections violence was a landmark event in the country's political history. The violence led to the death of over 1, 300 people, displacement of others, and destruction of property of unknown value especially in the then Nyanza, Western, Rift-valley and Coast provinces. Howevwer, the social cost of the violence was greater than the visible dislocations reported in the media and elsewhere. Over four and a half years after the violence, the social cost of the phenomenon still lives with the victims: survivors who suffered in not-so-visible ways, the internally displaced persons, people who lost property, victims of sexual assault, and people who sustained different kinds of physical and emotional injury. And whereas post -2007 elections crisis speeded up the pace of reforms in Kenya's body politic including the completion of the hitherto stalled constitutional review process, it is surprising that the Kenya government has made frail efforts to address the socio-economic needs of the communities and families affected by the scourge of violence. More surprisingly, very little attention to understand and act on the potential effects of post 2007 elections crisis on the forthcoming polls already slated for March 2013. The Nairobi slums are one area that was adversely affected by the December 2007-January 2008 post elections violence. The slums occupy one-eighth of the land space in Nairobi but host three-quarters of the city's population of four million people. Many factors combine to make the Nairobi slums the most violent and vulnerable neighborhoods in Nairobi. And as media reports indicate, post-election violence started in the Nairobi slums (Kibera) before it spread to other parts of the country. Consequently, the slums bore the heaviest brunt of the violence (relative to the up-market neighborhoods of Nairobi). A lot of information is still outside the public domain regarding how the violence erupted, immediate issues that provoked the violence, the ethnic character of the violence, the nature of disruptions wrought by the violence, and how various slum villages are coping with the trauma. Also outside the public domain is information regarding how the actual socio-economic conditions that prevail in the slums add to their violent character, and an exposition of some unresolved issues as well as emerging threats that could affect the stability of these neighborhoods both before and after the March 2013 polls. More importantly, there is an urgent need to re-examine the slums with reference to the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 and other gains so far made towards the implementation of the Constitution. Can the (new) Constitution be used as a reference document for increasing service delivery, advancing rights protection, and laying the foundation for the rule of law in the lives of the three million slums dwellers? What can be done in the pre-and post-March 2013 elections to not only rid the slums of their violent character but also to initiate programmes geared towards changing the face of the slum permanently? The purpose of this booklet is to provide some insight into the concerns outlined above. The authors of the booklet note that there has been some good progress towards addressing some or a combination of the above concerns especially in the aftermath of the violence. However, the intellectual discourse about the slums and violence is as yet embryonic and far too incoherent to guide focused interventions before and after the forthcoming polls. Primarily, the booklet aspires to provoke some thought about the slums and slum dwellers with a view to encouraging government policy makers, the civil society, the international community, the academia and other actors to make informed interventions geared towards improving the physical conditions in the slums without depriving the dwellers of dignity and rights. Details: Nairobi, Kenya: Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, 2012. Source: Internet Resource: accessed June 14, 2017 at: http://library.fes.de/pdf-files/bueros/kenia/09860.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Kenya Keywords: Neighborhoods and Crime Shelf Number: 146172 |
Author: Wairimu, Karuga D. Title: Crime Incidence and Coping Mechanisms in Nairobi's Slums: The Case of Mukuru kwa Reuben Summary: Urban crime, both in Africa and the rest of the world poses a key developmental challenge not only to the criminal judicial system but also to the city and urban planners but more so to the urban community who have to live with insecurity while bearing with the impact of these crimes. Recent studies have revealed that city dwellers for instance Nairobi city are ill-equipped or have limited knowledge on ways of preventing crime or change of behavior to reduce crime. The causes of crime and vandalism are complex but it is widely believed that the environmental factors do greatly play a role in causing and controlling the level of security in an area. Within the built environment, there is great importance in integrating human behavior with planning and design to ensure the two interact positively within the environment. This complex interrelationship should be put into consideration in future development and redevelopment processes of the built environment. This will result in a reduction in crime and the fear of crime, an improvement in resident's safety and the creation of a sense of community cohesion and ownership. Successful crime prevention entails the involvement of different agencies and institutions together with the planning systems to ensure a successful crime prevention strategy. This research project seeks to identify the nature of crime in urban informal settlements and the coping mechanisms adopted where Mukuru kwa Reuben was selected for the study. The more upper class urban residential areas have over time devised their own coping mechanisms to deal with crime which involve employing private guards, building walls, installing street lights, and restricting who come in or goes out of their gated communities. On the other hand, residents in the informal settlements suffer from low income employments and insufficient incomes to sustain their livelihoods. This in turn places them on the disadvantaged side when it comes to applying physical changes to their settlements to reduce crime unlike their affluent counterparts. The research project seeks to identify the nature and incidences of crime, the social spatial characteristics of informal settlements that reinforce criminal behavior as well to identify the coping mechanisms that residents adapt in order to make their settlement safer. Mukuru kwa Reuben was selected for the study since it is among the largest slums in Nairobi and its location within the industrial area makes it vulnerable to criminal activities. The settlement also shows differing forms of structure design and alignment of which the newly constructed villages take a more planned form. The focus of the study is the effect of the physical design/ layout of the informal settlement on crime incidences. Hence, two villages were selected for the comparative study; these were Feed the Children and Railway where the former have a more organic form while the latter has a more planned form, even though all exist in the Mukuru kwa Reuben informal settlement. The study methodology is a hybrid of different research methods and the research design comprehensively depicts the data needs and information needed to make the research reach a fruitful conclusion. Details: Nairobi: University of Nairobi, 2014. 116p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 14, 2017 at: https://urbanplanning.uonbi.ac.ke/sites/default/files/cae/artsdesign/urbanplanning/Dorcas%20Karuga%20Research%20Project.pdf Year: 2014 Country: Kenya Keywords: Crime Prevention Shelf Number: 146179 |
Author: van Stapele, Naomi Title: Respectable 'Illegality': Gangs, masculinities and belonging in a Nairobi ghetto Summary: This book is about gangs in Nairobi's ghettos, in particular why young men feel they have to become a member of a gang, how gang membership becomes crucial in their struggle for survival and why it is so difficult for them to leave a gang, even though many are trying to. My aim is to move away from the current association of gangs with violence and ethnic politics - that is gang members as 'thugs for hire.' One of my main discoveries was that work is at least as important to grasp processes of gang formation, especially if one wants to understand the gangs from the young men's own perspective. This is a viewpoint that is lacking in much of the literature on Nairobi gangs in particular and, indeed, gangs in general. Gangs are vital to many young men from the ghetto, because they offer work and, as such, a chance to realise respectable masculinities in an environment that is increasingly dominated by women. In this sense, gangs can even be instrumental in realising community development. However, there are enormous barriers in the ghetto environment to achieving masculinities and development. This explains why the gangs under consideration here are so fluid in their existence and why membership is always wrought with ambiguities. A brief description of the changing circumstances of my research in a Nairobi ghetto can help to explain how I arrived at this emphasis on work and masculinities. Details: Amsterdam: University of Amsterdam, 2015. 296p. Source: Internet Resource: Dissertation: Accessed June 15, 2017 at: https://pure.uva.nl/ws/files/2483038/166658_Stapele_thesis_def_complete.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Kenya Keywords: Gang Violence Shelf Number: 146190 |
Author: Osebe, Agasa E. Title: The effects of imprisonment on inmates in Kenya: the case of Industrial Area remand and Lang'ata Women's Prisons Summary: This study was an attempt to establish the effects of imprisonment on inmates in Kenya. These effects were classified into five groups: Social, Economic, Psychological, Physical and Health effects. The study was conducted at two prisons; Industrial Area Remand and Lang'ata Women's prisons. This research was grounded on the assumptions of the classical theory of punishment that states that crime is a rational behaviour that individuals enter into knowing all the consequences of their action. This involves a cost benefit analysis; pleasure versus pain. The choice is directed towards the maximization of pleasure. On the other hand, the rehabilitation model asserts that these choices are not a matter of free will but are influenced by an individual's personal surrounding, psychological make-up and biological composition. This study was descriptive in design and used both probability and non-probability sampling procedures. The respondents under study were 58 in number; 34 males and 24 females. Both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection were used in this study. Qualitative methods employed the use of personal interviews while quantitative method was illustrated through the use of questionnaires; both open ended and closed questions. The data revealed that there existed variations on these effects of imprisonment on inmates by age, period of confinement, gender, marital status, occupation and parental status. The study found out that older male inmates of the ages of 51-60 were assaulted the most than younger inmates while female respondents of ages of 18-25 years had been assaulted the most followed closely by those aged 26-40 of whom 26.7% had been assaulted thereby portraying the physical effects of imprisonment. The period of confinement also had an impact on the psychological effect of imprisonment since both male inmates and female who had been sentenced for longer sentences were psychologically affected the most by imprisonment than short term prisoners. The study also revealed that gender also plays a significant role more so in the psychological and not in the physical effects of imprisonment. 87.5% of the female inmates were psychologically affected by imprisonment while 73.5% of the male inmates were affected psychologically. Male inmates who were either single or separated and female inmates who were either married, separated or widowed according to this study are the ones who are mostly affected by imprisonment. The study recommends the need for increased visitations to mitigate the social effects on the inmates. There is also need for the recruitment of more wardens to curb the physical effects such as assault and harassment. The study also recommends that the government should build more houses for the wardens and offer them a better remuneration package. Some prisoners had not gotten a chance to learn skills due to unavailability of prison industries. The study recommends that the government should build more industries and come up with a better curricular of courses that is in tandem with the dynamic business environment. Counsellors should also be recruited to counsel the stressed and depressed inmates. This maybe achieved through partnership with non-governmental organisations that provide such assistance. There is also the need to construct adequate clinics in the prison to provide effective healthcare to the inmates. The study also recommends that prisoners of the same age group should be housed together to discourage victimization where old inmates harass younger inmates. Finally, the study recommends the establishment of an oversight committee to address any challenges that arise from the inmates or from the wardens. Details: Nairobi: University of Nairobi, 2011. 85p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 17, 2017 at: http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/bitstream/handle/11295/4460/Agasa%20-The%20Effects%20Of%20Imprisonment%20On%20Inmates%20In%20Kenya%20The%20Case%20Of%20Industrial%20Area%20Remand%20And%20Lang%E2%80%99ata%20Women%E2%80%99s%20Prisons.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y Year: 2011 Country: Kenya Keywords: Female Inmates Shelf Number: 147223 |
Author: Musau, Anastasia Nzisa Title: Insecurity in Nairobi: A Case of Street Children in Nairobi central business district Summary: The situation of street children in Nairobi in particular is of great concern to the government of Kenya mainly due to the socio-economic impact it has on the residents, businesses, property owners and individuals in the town and the government in terms of investments by local and foreign investors. The main study objectives were to determine the criminal activities that street children commit and their effects on the economy, to establish the socio-economic factors that contribute to the criminal behavior among street children and also to assess how street children relate to the law enforcement agencies, the public and the business community. The study examines the most common types of crimes committed by street children, the relationship between street children and security agencies, and how their criminal behaviour affect the country's economic growth. It also examines contributing factors that influence children to run from their homes to the streets. Stratified random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were employed to identify respondents to identify respondents. The data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data was collected by administering structured questionnaires to a sample drawn from business people, individuals, property owners and security workers in Nairobi. Secondary data was obtained from policy abstracts, government reports and annual reports from relevant ministries. The study is aimed at providing recommendations to help policy makers in addressing the problem of street children by taking up prevention and control measures and addressing the detrimental effects the street children phenomenon has on the economy of the country Details: Nairobi: University of Nairobi, 2014. 57p. Source: Internet Resource: Thesis: Accessed June 17, 2017 at: http://www.streetchildrenresources.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Insecurity-in-Nairobi-a-case-of-street-children-in-Nairobi-central-business-district.pdf Year: 2014 Country: Kenya Keywords: Juvenile Delinquency Shelf Number: 146225 |
Author: Alogo, Wilfred Title: Strategies Adopted by Private Security Firms to Deal with Crime in Nairobi, Kenya Summary: When strategic managers constantly analyze their competitive environment, they understand their transient business situations in changing environments. With the appraised knowledge they are able to locate and establish good competitive positions since, against threats they are able to take advantage of available opportunities to gain and sustain competitive advantage. Evaluation of the competitive environment may well be approached through application of strategic management theories such as the resource based view, the industrial organization view and the knowledge based view, among many others developed to assist in understanding the forces of competition in the business arena and hence come up with correct strategies which if adopted are capable of propelling organizations to better business positions. The purpose of this study was to assess the types of security threats prevalent in Nairobi County, and strategies adopted by private security firms in Nairobi County in countering the crimes. Possible measures to be taken into consideration to address deficiencies were also considered. The study targeted sample firms of all sizes and adopted a survey research design. Respondents were drawn from management cadre tasked with strategy formulation and implementation. Data collection was by questionnaires and the completed instruments were analyzed by statistical descriptive techniques. The study found a mismatch existing between crime prevalence and strategies adopted by private security companies. While vandalism was the highest reported crime, followed closely by theft, burglary and robbery, organized crime, gang attacks, guns and knife attacks were also significant. Vehicle theft and terrorism related crimes were moderately reported. On the other hand the most adopted strategy by private security companies was liaison with state security agents, followed by improved levels of vigilance, revised Standard Operation Procedures, additional training, use/additional technology, employment of additional personnel, pre-emptive techniques and culture change. Through the findings, the study proposed a revision of strategies adopted, prioritizing first on constant environmental analysis before coming up with requisite strategies to adopt in the face of crime growth. This was seen as the way to turn private security firms from being reactive but preemptive in the face of growing crime. Details: Nairobi: University of Nairobi, 2015. 59p. Source: Internet Resource: Thesis: Accessed October 13, 2017 at: http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/bitstream/handle/11295/93257/Alogo_Strategies%20Adopted%20By%20Private%20Security%20Firms%20To%20Deal%20With%20Crime%20In%20Nairobi%2c%20Kenya.pdf?sequence=3&isAllowed=y Year: 2015 Country: Kenya Keywords: Crimes Against Businesses Shelf Number: 147675 |
Author: Musyoki, Kithusya Peter Title: Factors Influencing organised Crime in Urban Centres: The Case of the City of Nairobi, In Kenya Summary: 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 crime 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 Details: Nairobi: University of Nairobi, 2012. 57p. Source: Internet Resource: Thesis: Accessed October 18, 2017 at: http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/8910 Year: 2012 Country: Kenya Keywords: Organized Crime Shelf Number: 147721 |
Author: Salifu, Uyo Title: Preventing violence extremism in Kenya: Why women's needs matter Summary: Violent extremism has multiple impacts on the lives of women that are compounded by the pressures of poverty and related development factors. Government, donors and NGOs have taken steps to counter and prevent violent extremism in Kenya, but many of these responses are gender neutral and do not sufficiently address women's needs. The failure to prioritise women will hamper efforts to comprehensively address violent extremism, and will miss opportunities to engage women in preventing terrorism. Details: Pretoria: Institute for Security Studies, 16p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed December 1, 2017 at: https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/ear13.pdf Year: 20017 Country: Kenya Keywords: Extremist Groups Shelf Number: 148673 |
Author: Ndung'u, Irene Title: Violent Extremism in Kenya: Why women are a priority Summary: This study seeks to understand how women in Kenya are involved in violent extremism and in efforts to prevent and counter it. It also explores how women are affected by and respond to extremism. The findings show the multifaceted impact of violent extremism on women and their communities. There is also a complex set of dynamics that influence how women become actively involved as perpetrators or, more commonly, as supporters and facilitators of violent extremism. The study shows that more must be done to include women in programmes that aim to prevent and counter violent extremism in Kenya. Details: Pretoria: Institute for Security Studies, 2017. 124p. Source: Internet Resource: Monograph 197: Accessed December 4, 2017 at: https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/mono197.pdf Year: 2017 Country: Kenya Keywords: Extremist Groups Shelf Number: 148693 |
Author: Okere, Stephen Title: An Evaluation of Circuit Television Cameras in Crime Management: A case Study of Nairobi Central Business District Summary: The study focused on the effectiveness of Closed Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV) in Urban Crime Management in the Central Business District (CBD) of Nairobi. The objective of the study was to explore the extent and effectiveness of CCTV Cameras in alleviating insecurity within Nairobi Central Business District. The theoretical framework looked into the location theory, routine activities theory, situation crime prevention theory and crime prevention through environmental design to understand how crime manifests itself and crime prevention measures adopted. The conceptual framework looked into the Location, Institutional Framework, Resources, Government Policy, Societal value systems, Community participation and Integrated Centralized Surveillance System that makes CCTV system effective in an urban environment. The Methodology used involved CCTV observation, Stratified random sampling of four Strata namely; Institutions/Businesses, Hotels, Supermarkets and Small Business Enterprise using CCTV Cameras. Interviews Schedule was used to interview Administrators, ICT Experts in installation of CCTV Cameras, Law Enforcement agents and urban planners from City Council of Nairobi. The study found out that 92.9% of the total respondents had installed CCTV cameras inside the buildings to offer surveillance inside the buildings. Those connected outside are mainly used to monitor traffic with a few located in strategic areas for crime prevention. 85.7% of the respondents indicated that CCTV cameras were effective where installed and location and coverage of cameras being a critical component. The study recommends the installation of CCTV cameras on the streets for crime prevention. There is also the need to involve all stakeholders including community participation to ensure project sustainability. Finally there is an urgent need for the government to come up with policy guidelines which sets out standards and conditions to be adopted in the operation of CCTV cameras schemes. Details: Nairobi: Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Built Environment, University of Nairobi, 2012. 138p. Source: Internet Resource: Thesis: Accessed February 6, 2018 at: https://urbanplanning.uonbi.ac.ke/sites/default/files/cae/artsdesign/urbanplanning/Stephen%20Okere%20Research%20Project.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Kenya Keywords: Camera Surveillance Shelf Number: 149010 |
Author: Human Rights Watch Title: "They Were Men in Uniform": Sexual Violence against Women and Girls in Kenya's 2017 Elections Summary: Kenya's 2017 elections were marred by violence and serious human rights abuses, including widespread sexual violence against women and girls, and sexual attacks on men, in terms of numbers and locations. "They Were Men in Uniform" is based on interviews with 68 female and three male survivors, and 12 witnesses to the post-election violence in some of Nairobi's informal settlements, Kisumu, and Bungoma. It documents rape (including vaginal and anal rape), gang rape involving two or more perpetrators, mass rape, attempted rape, rape with an object, putting dirt into a woman's private parts, unwanted sexual touching, forced nudity, and beatings on genitals, including by members of Kenya's security forces and militia groups and civilians. The report highlights devastating physical, mental, social, and economicimpacts of the sexualviolence, as well as significant barriers that prevent many survivors from accessing even basicmedical and psychosocial support services and to seek justice for these crimes. For far too long, the Kenyan government has ignored election-related sexual crimes and victims' suffering. Kenyan authorities should take measures to protect women and girls, as well as men and boys, against sexual violence, properly investigate cases and hold perpetrators accountable, and ensure survivors of sexual violence have access to comprehensive, quality and timely post-rape care. Details: New York: HRW, 2017. 39p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 14, 2018 at: https://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/report_pdf/kenya1217_web.pdf Year: 2017 Country: Kenya Keywords: Gang Rape Shelf Number: 149140 |
Author: Niskanen, Leo Title: Strengthening Local Community Engagement in Combatting Illegal Wildlife Trade: Case studies from Kenya Summary: The illegal wildlife trade (IWT) and associated poaching - particularly of iconic species such as African elephants and rhinos - is one of the highest profile conservation challenges today. A recent analysis by the World Bank (Wright et al., 2016) estimated that donors have contributed over $1.3 billion to tackling IWT since 2010. There is growing recognition among practitioners and policy makers of the need to engage and invest in rural communities that neighbour or live with wildlife as key partners in tackling IWT, particularly as they form a "first line of defence". However, to date, this strategy has received far less attention than other approaches including law enforcement and demand reduction. This is partly because there is no "one size fits all" solution to community engagement and a framework to guide such interventions on the ground has been lacking. In response, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) and partners developed a dynamic Theory of Change (ToC) that seeks to better understand the different incentives and disincentives that influence whether local people engage in IWT or help to prevent it. An initial draft of the ToC was developed for a workshop led by the IUCN Sustainable Use and Livelihoods Specialist Group (SULi) held in the run up to the Kasane Conference on Illegal Wildlife Trade in 2015 (IUCN SULi et al 2015) and was subsequently refined through expert consultation. The ToC identifies four causal pathways for community-level actions, each underpinned by a series of key assumptions. The four pathways are: (a) strengthening disincentives for illegal behaviour; b) increasing incentives for wildlife stewardship; c) decreasing costs of living with wildlife; and d) supporting non-wildlife related livelihoods. Underlying all four pathways are a number of "enabling actions" to strengthen governance from the local to national to regional and to international scale including supporting the institutional framework to enforce against IWT; increasing the perceived fairness of wildlife laws; strengthening laws for community management of and benefit from wildlife; and fighting corruption. In addition, underlying all the actions in the ToC is the need for enhancing community capacity - to both manage and benefit from wildlife. The ToC is informed by situational crime prevention (SCP) theory. SCP recognises that any individual is capable of committing an offence at any time if the opportunity arises, and that the likelihood of the opportunity arising is completely context specific. SCP is based on five key principles: increase the effort, increase the risks, reduce the rewards, reduce provocation, and remove excuses (Clark 2009). While the four pathways in our ToC do not directly mirror these principles, many of the strategies that underlie the SCP principles are reflected in the pathways, particularly Pathway A on increasing the disincentives for illegal activities and Pathway C on reducing the costs of living with wildlife. Our ToC however goes beyond SCP to also explicitly focus on increasing positive incentives for "good behaviour" - wildlife stewardship and alternative livelihoods. The SCP framework was developed in a context of general, non-wildlife related, crime prevention where such incentives are generally not relevant. In a wildlife management context, however, decades of experience of community based wildlife management point to their importance. It should also be noted that our ToC focuses explicitly on community based interventions to tackle IWT and does not take account of efforts to reduce IWT through other means. Our ToC is just one part of the bigger puzzle. If evidence shows that IWT is declining or increasing in a particular location - be it at the local, regional or national scale - our ToC can help explain how community based approaches may have contributed to those observed outcomes. It is not intended to explore how other types of intervention such as conventional top-down law enforcement might also have contributed. It also cannot show causal linkages between community actions and IWT outcomes. The Strengthening Local Community Engagement in Combatting Illegal Wildlife Trade project (2016-2018) intends to test the ToC with the aim of further refining it and then providing practical guidance to conservation programme designers, implementers, donors and policymakers who have an interest in engaging communities to tackle IWT. Funded by UKaid through the UK government's Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund (IWTCF), the project is implemented by IUCN (IUCN East and Southern Africa Regional Office, Conservation Areas & Species programme; the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) African Elephant Specialist Group (AfESG); and the IUCN Sustainable Use and Livelihoods Specialist Group (SULi)) in partnership with the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED); Royal Roads University; Big Life Foundation (BLF); the Cottar's Wildlife Conservation Trust (CWCT); and the Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association (KWCA). The project is also sharing lessons and methodologies with the South Rift Association of Land Owners (SORALO), which works with Maasai communities in a large swathe of southern Kenya to help develop and enhance a network of conservancies and to strengthen its community-based approaches to reducing IWT. The project's long term goal is "More effective and widespread community engagement in tackling IWT resulting in reduction in pressure on African elephant populations and increased benefits from improved wildlife stewardship." The anticipated outcome of the project is "The conditions for stronger engagement of local communities to combat - rather than participate in - IWT while positively contributing to local livelihoods is better understood and forms the basis of practical guidance for anti-IWT policy and programme development in Kenya (and beyond)." Details: Nairobi: IUCN, International Institute for Environment and Development, 2018. 48p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 23, 2018 at: https://www.iucn.org/sites/dev/files/content/documents/olderkesi_kilitome_case_study_final_press_ver.pdf Year: 2018 Country: Kenya Keywords: Illegal Wildlife Trade Shelf Number: 150325 |
Author: Ruteere, Mutuma Title: Confronting Violent Extremism in Kenya: Debates, Ideas and Challenges Summary: This pioneering collection brings together critical analyses on a range of issues touching on violent extremism by a multidisciplinary team of scholars and scholar-practitioners with an intimate and long-standing interest on the subject in Kenya, the region and globally. They cover the breadth as well as depth of the complex problem of violent extremism in a manner and language that speaks to both scholars and policy makers. The contributions are concerned with a number of problems related to terrorism in Kenya: the regional nature and dimensions of the problem; legal and judicial developments to counter the threat of terrorism; patterns and trends in the recruitment into Al- Shabaab and other violent extremist groups; State and society interactions, contestations and confrontations in countering violent extremism; location of women in the terrorism discourse; new technologies and how they shape violent extremism; and the questions of rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-combatants and returnees from Al-Shabaab. The aim of the papers in this collection is to provoke and stimulate the ongoing scholarly and policy conversations on what the spectre of violent extremism means for Kenya's future and fortunes as a fledgling democracy. The studies provide new knowledge, data and perspectives on the nature, magnitude and dimensions of the problem of violent extremism in Kenya. The studies are nuanced but have not shied away from recognising difficulties, highlighting policy and knowledge gaps and making policy recommendations where possible. Details: Nairobi: Centre for Human Rights and Policy Studies, 2018. 184p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 20, 2018 at: https://www.chrips.or.ke/publications/research-reports/confronting-violent-extremism-in-kenya-debates-ideas-and-challenges/ Year: 2018 Country: Kenya Keywords: Extremism Shelf Number: 151592 |
Author: Global Financial Integrity Title: Kenya: Potential Revenue Losses Associated with Trade Misinvoicing Summary: Trade misinvoicing is a reality impacting Kenya and every other country of the world. Imports coming into a country can be over-invoiced in order to shift money abroad. Or imports can be under-invoiced in order to evade or avoid customs duties or VAT taxes. Similarly, exports going out of a country can be under-invoiced in order to shift money abroad. And exports are occasionally over-invoiced, for example in order to reclaim VAT taxes. Global Financial Integrity finds that trade misinvoicing is the most frequently utilized mechanism facilitating measurable illicit financial flows. Misstating import and export values has become normalized in much of commercial trade, and the same facilitating shadow financial system is used to move money of criminal and corrupt origin. We are dealing with a systemic problem that merits serious concerted attention. Parties to trade who engage in misinvoicing do so because it is profitable to them. That is, they will incur some costs (including the expected cost of getting caught) but do so because the expected benefits to them of misinvoicing are larger than their expected costs. While those parties benefit from misinvoicing, there are additional social costs to nations affected by such activity. Trade misinvoicing redirects economic resources away from their most productive use (i.e., it is a type of "rent-seeking" activity) and that can result in social inefficiencies in the allocation and distribution of resources. While any country may be affected by misinvoicing, the problem is particularly acute for developing countries where productive capacities may already be limited. The social costs of misinvoicing can undermine sustainable growth in living standards in developing countries as well as exacerbate already pronounced inequities in the distribution of income and wealth. Moreover, by depressing government revenues and exacerbating inequality, those social costs can also impede progress in the developing world on important social goals, such as poverty reduction. In this analysis we seek to provide an approximate measure of revenues lost to the Kenyan government due to trade misinvoicing. We illustrate this in the first section of the report for 2013 (the last year for which comprehensive data for Kenya are available). For that year, we can reasonably identify potential revenue losses in excess of US$907 million, or about 8 percent of total Kenyan government revenues. That is a conservative figure, as it does not encompass many aspects of trade misinvoicing and other illicit financial flows that do not show up in official statistics. Moreover, the detailed data available for estimating trade misinvoicing in Kenya comprise a fraction of all of that country's trade flows. Furthermore, we take one aspect of this problem - import under-invoicing - and subject it to detailed analysis utilizing detailed bilateral trade data. We find that Kenyan imports of cereal from Pakistan, mineral fuels from India and, more generally, imports from China to be particularly prone to potential revenue loss to the government of Kenya due to under-invoicing. All researchers on this issue of trade misinvoicing are constantly seeking better data and better analytical methodologies. Even as we work toward these goals, what is most important is to appreciate the order of magnitude of the problem and the potential for development revenues if the problem is curtailed. Recognizing the shortcomings in data, Global Financial Integrity has developed GFTrade, a database of current world market prices of 80,000 categories of goods in the Harmonized System, as traded by 30 of the largest global economies. This enables emerging market and developing country customs and revenue authorities to assess instantly the risk that trade misinvoicing may be a reality in transactions as they are coming in or going out. GFTrade is in use in Africa now. Details: Washington, DC: Global Financial Integrity, 2018. 32p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 10, 2018 at: https://www.gfintegrity.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/GFI-Kenya-Potential-Revenue-Losses-Associated-with-Trade-Misinvoicing.pdf Year: 2018 Country: Kenya Keywords: Corporate Crime Shelf Number: 152890 |
Author: Smulders, Annemijn Title: Burying the Blades: Can the Goal programme Help Discontinue Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting in North-Eastern Kenya? Summary: In the light of international efforts to bring Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting (FGM/C) to an end, this study aimed to investigate to which extent the Goal programme of Women Win can help to discontinue FGM/C in North-Eastern Kenya. First, a literature review was conducted to find factors which are positively associated with the discontinuation of the practice. Secondly, factors that were represented in the programme were extracted. Represented factors included the encouragement of a (a) high level of autonomy and (b) high SES of individuals, as well as the attention for (c) women empowerment, (d) gender rights discussion, (e) health consequences of FGM/C, and (f) the potential of individuals to become role models. Thirdly, the six factors were assessed for their effectiveness, using survey data of 11 countries that implemented the programme in 2017. It can be concluded that the Goal programme can be regarded as a promising intervention for the discontinuation of FGM/C in North-Eastern Kenya, as it empowers participants to be role models and make well-informed and autonomous life choices with regard to gender rights, sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as financial management. However, several adaptations for the programme are recommended to increase its potential. Main recommendation is to not only target at the at-risk group of girls, but also involve the community to achieve social norm change and bury the blades forever. Details: Utrecht: Utrecht University, 2018. 50p. Source: Internet Resource: Thesis: Accessed October 23, 2018 at: https://dspace.library.uu.nl/handle/1874/368203 Year: 2018 Country: Kenya Keywords: Female Genital Cutting Shelf Number: 153062 |
Author: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Independent Evaluation Unit Title: Final Independent Project Evaluation of the: Police Reform Programme in Kenya (KENZ04) June 2018 Summary: UNODC project KENZ04 'the Police Reform Programme' in Kenya was designed in the aftermath of the 2010 constitutional reform that put great emphasis on the need to modernise and transform the police agencies KENZ04 had as the key objective to support the Government of Kenya (GoK) to modernise and transform the policing institutions, specifically (NPS, NPSC and IPOA) to become effective, efficient and trusted security agencies for Kenyans. The project was articulated around three outcomes: (i) empowered and sustainable institutional structures for policing services established at the national level; (ii) professionalism, integrity and accountability of the National Police Service (NPS) enhanced; and (iii) strengthened operational capacities of the NPS. MAIN FINDINGS KENZ04 was primarily designed based on recommendations proposed by key Kenyan documents such as the Waki and the Ransley reports. and prior studies conducted through other UNODC Regional Office for Eastern Africa programmes. These studies identified the priority needs of Kenya to meet international and constitutional standards. The partnership with the key police institutions and the Government of Kenya was viewed as strategic for maintained political commitment. Although the project was meant to be funded through a multi-donor fund, one donor- the Swedish Government-primarily financed the project through soft earmarking until December 2017. A minor contribution of USD $10,000 was made by Israel at the inception of the project. Despite the project's ambitious scope and implementing challenges, it remained relevant to all stakeholders until the end. Due to changing priorities amongst the donor and the key beneficiaries, the police agencies, some of the outcomes' related outputs (especially within outcome 3 focused on community policing) were not implemented. The key outputs that were achieved and observed were those focused on strengthening the legal and police architecture of the police agencies . The agencies found technical assistance provided, including embedded advisors, trainings, strategies and policies drafted under mostly Outcomes 1 and 2 of KENZ04 as serving the objective of the project and the police reform more generally. The identification of 'Volunteer Reform Champions' amongst police officers, was underlined as one of the critical unintended results and most effective way to sustain trainings, disseminate the message of reforms and keep the momentum alive in the 6 pilot counties. Although KENZ04 was designed prior to the drafting of the Sustainable Development Goals, police reforms in Kenya were within the scope of SDGs 16, 10 and 54 . Overall, the project team was praised for its expertise but further police work experience could have benefitted the project. Furthermore, results could have been showcased more efficiently had a clear monitoring framework and more defined indicators been in place. The soft-earmarked funds enabled the project team to adapt the activities to changing timelines. The funds were significant according to the donors' overall budget and other stakeholders, but insufficient from the police agencies and the reform agenda that is yet to be sustained. The trainings of police officers had been 'institutionalized' to a certain degree through the 'Volunteer Reform Champions' but their numbers were insufficient to spread the transformation agenda beyond the 6 pilot counties. Although, KENZ04 had yielded some preliminary results, the popularization of the reforms across the 42 counties is yet to be completed. The evaluation team concluded that KENZ04 contributed to the integration of international standards in the policy architecture of the Police agencies in Kenya. With respect to human rights & gender, the project team introduced international Service Commission and Independent Police Oversight Authority) was viewed as constructive and reinforced as a result of this project. Nonetheless, the sustainability of the reforms was questioned as police reforms require long-standing funding, activities across the whole nation and commitment by all parties to beget durable and visible changes in police behaviour to transform from a 'Force' to 'a Service'. Other donors are continuing funding police reforms activities but at a different scale and are not necessarily focused on behavioural change from a 'Force' to a 'Service'.best practices and standards but the key strategies remain to be approved by the Government of Kenya. The coordination and partnership with the key police agencies (National Police Service, National Police Service Commission and Independent Police Oversight. Details: Vienna; UNODC, 2018. 83p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed november 14, 2018 at: https://www.unodc.org/documents/evaluation/Independent_Project_Evaluations/2018/UNODC_Final_Independent_Evaluation_Report_KENZ04_June_2018.pdf Year: 2018 Country: Kenya Keywords: Police Administration Shelf Number: 153466 |
Author: Nyaga, Wangui E. Title: Occupational Stress Among Kenyan Police: A Case Study of Police Officers in Nairobi Province Summary: The study focused on the problem of occupational stress among Kenyan police officers. Using the case of six police stations from Nairobi area, respondents were interviewed to answer the overall research questions on the individual, operational and organizational factors that lead to occupational stress among police officers in Nairobi. The study was bolted on one general objective which aimed at exploring the problem of occupational stress among police in Kenya. More specifically, the study attempted to establish the extent of occupational stress among Kenyan police, find out how the problem of occupational stress affects performance of the police in Kenya and identify viable measures that can help the Kenyan Police cope with the problem of occupational stress. This study is guided by two theories namely: psychoanalytic and rational emotive behavioural theory. The study adopted simple random and stratified sampling techniques to draw a sample of 90 respondents. Quantitative and qualitative data were obtained from the respondents using semi-structured study questionnaires and unstructured key informant interview guides. Percentage, frequencies and measures of central tendency were used to analyze quantitative while qualitative data were processed using content and interpretive analysis. The generated data were used to answer the study's three questions which established the extent of the problem of occupational stress among Kenyan police, its effects on police performance and viable strategic measures that can be used to help officers cope with the problem. The survey findings confirmed that Kenyan police are stressed and highlighted the existence, symptoms and causes of occupational stress among officers. Both operational and organizational sources of stress were prevalent. Further, the findings revealed that perception of presence or absence of occupational stress among the police is dependent on the age, length of service, rank and category of the officer. Both male and female police officers highly perceived prevalence of occupational stressors. The study also established that low morale/motivation led to lowered job satisfaction and hence reduced productivity. Both negative and positive coping strategies were identified and the viable ones were commended. Based on the study's findings, several recommendations were made. There is need to improve the living and working conditions especially housing, transport and supplies, increase personnel numbers, offer training in stress and anger management as well as basic counselling skills and professional ethics. Areas for further research include: establishing how the Kenyan justice system affects police performance, role of Psychological counselling in policing and a national assessment of occupational stress in the police. Details: University of Nairobi, 2006. 134p. Source: Internet Resource: Thesis: Accessed December 7, 2018 at: http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/bitstream/handle/11295/19512/Nyaga_Occupational%20Stress%20Among%20Kenyan%20Police%20A%20Case%20Study%20Of%20Police%20Officers%20In%20Nairobi%20Province..pdf?sequence=3&isAllowed=y Year: 2006 Country: Kenya Keywords: Occupational Stress Shelf Number: 153939 |
Author: Chopra, Tanja Title: Justice Versus Peace in Northern Kenya Summary: ABSTRACT The conflicting relationship between peace and justice is frequently debated in the field of transitional justice. The obligation to prosecute serious crimes can contradict the measures necessary to reestablish peace among society. The predicament gives rise to a similar, though less obvious, challenge in many developing countries, where the formal justice system can be at odds with conflict management initiatives. Often, due to their inaccessibility or incompatibility with local socio-cultural norms, official justice institutions in developing countries do not fully penetrate the whole of society. In response, conflict management and peace building initiatives have proven to be more flexible and responsive to socio-political realities. While such initiatives may be more efficient in reestablishing the peace between communities in conflict, they may contradict the official law. Current policy efforts and practices in the arid lands of Kenya illustrate this dilemma. Official justice institutions have proven too weak or ill-suited to prevent or resolve conflicts between local communities. To address the prevailing tensions, local ad hoc peace initiatives have developed which operate on the basis of local norms and include local stakeholders. Given their relative success, some high level state agents have embraced the initiatives. The office of the President is currently drafting a national policy framework on conflict management and peace building, which is in part based on the experiences in the arid lands. Such a policy framework will ultimately have to deal with a similar dilemma known from the field of transitional justice: a decision between the establishment of peace and the application of formal justice may be required. Details: Washington, DC: The World Bank Group, 2009. 25p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 11, 2019 at: http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/239811468284359876/Justice-versus-peace-in-Northern-Kenya Year: 2009 Country: Kenya Keywords: Conflict Management Shelf Number: 154113 |
Author: Haushofer, Johannes Title: Income Changes and Intimate Partner Violence: Evidence from Unconditional Cash Transfers in Kenya Summary: We use a randomized experiment in Kenya to study the impact of unconditional cash transfers on intimate partner violence. Transfers to women of on average USD 709 led to a 0.26 standard deviation (SD) decrease in physical violence, and transfers to men to a 0.18 SD decrease. Sexual violence was reduced after transfers to women (0.22 SD), but not men. We construct a theory which together with our empirical findings suggests that husbands use violence to extract resources, but dislike it otherwise. We observe large and significant spillovers: nonrecipient women in treatment villages report a 0.16 SD reduction in physical violence. Details: Working paper, 2019. 60p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 14, 2019 at: https://www.poverty-action.org/sites/default/files/publications/GD-IPV.pdf Year: 2019 Country: Kenya Keywords: Cash Transfers Shelf Number: 154975 |
Author: International Organization for Migration (IOM) Title: Assessment on Human trafficking situation in the Coastal Region of Kenya Summary: In the recent years, media attention on human trafficking in persons in the coastal region of Kenya has been increasing, but there is limited up-to-date information on the current situation. To fill this gap, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) conducted an assessment in three target counties in the region, namely, Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale. The objectives were as follows: - Generate information on the current trafficking situation in the coastal region of Kenya; - Identify the groups most vulnerable to human trafficking, prevalent forms of trafficking and source areas of victims of trafficking (VOTs) along with their destinations; - Inform key stakeholders, thus contributing to strengthened identification and referral mechanisms for VOTs and vulnerable migrants in Kenya. In order to achieve these objectives, the research team, which consisted of IOM Kenya experts, employed mixed methods, as follows: - Literature review, focusing on reports, newsletters and other publications from agencies working on the issue; - Four (4) stakeholder workshops in the three target counties with 98 participants representing national and county government as well as non-governmental and community-based organizations (NGOs and CBOs) engaged in counter trafficking in the region; - Seventy-eight (78) key informant interviews from workshop participants; and - Case studies of VOTs, to gain a more nuanced understanding of the varying circumstances they face. The assessment indicates that prevalent forms of trafficking in the coast region are labour exploitation, sexual exploitation, forced marriage and child trafficking. Employment outside of the coastal region for coastal residents, and employment within the coastal region for residents of other parts of Kenya and other countries, were identified as the most significant push and pull factors for people to enter situations with high risk for trafficking. The assessment found that tourism in the coastal region contributes to human trafficking as well. The stakeholder workshops confirmed that attraction to the tourism sector has grown beyond coastal residents, with women from as far as Meru and Kisii coming to the region to work and subsequently suffering from exploitation. Participants noted that exploitation happens more frequently with less educated women without alternative livelihoods and little understanding of urban lifestyles. Other factors contributing to human trafficking are the lack of livelihood opportunities among different vulnerable groups, in addition to poverty, drug abuse, illiteracy, loss of parent/parents, harmful cultural practices and radicalization. Although radicalization and violent extremism is not a form of exploitation explicitly expressed in Article 3 of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons Especially Women and Children, recruitment of individuals for radicalization and violent extremist activities were often mentioned as contributing factors in all consultative workshop and interviews with stakeholders. With regard to the main groups vulnerable to trafficking in persons, the assessment findings indicate that large numbers of people in the region intend to migrate to another county and/or country. This includes men and women who are most likely neither employed nor students. The majority leave home to find work, which, in most cases, has been promised by agents. Although it cannot be ascertained whether or not these movements constitute human trafficking, it is important to look at the vulnerabilities to trafficking. The consultative workshop revealed that often migrant smuggling from Ethiopia and Somalia to South Africa turns into trafficking along the coastal region as the vulnerability of the migrants increases as they enter more unfamiliar territories. A large percentage of people who left home indicated that they wanted to go back home (82%) and that they were not well (36%). Youth between ages of 12 to 35 years, regardless of gender, are most vulnerable to trafficking, according to the feedback from all of the stakeholder workshops. In terms of source and destination areas and trafficking routes, while the assessment indicates that the coastal region is one of the largest sources of trafficking in the country, international victims of trafficking in the region were also recognized. Aligning with the literature review findings, participants in the validation workshop that followed the consultative workshops agreed that Mombasa is a source, transit and destination region in this respect. VOTs from outside of Kenya are from countries in the East and Horn of Africa such as Ethiopia, Somalia and Tanzania, and globally from countries in Southeast Asia including but not limited to Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan. The popular destinations for trafficking within Kenya are Mombasa, Kisumu and Nairobi, and for outside of Kenya, countries in the Middle East. Travel is mostly arranged by private employment agencies. Details: Nairobi: IOM, 2018. 52p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 15, 2019 at: https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/ASSESSMENT%20REPORT%20ON%20HUMAN%20TRAFFICKING%20SITUATION%20%20-%20COASTAL%20REGION%20KENYA%20REVISED%20LOWRES%2023072018%20F%20LOW%20Resolutions%20%28002%29Edited%202.pdf Year: 2018 Country: Kenya Keywords: Forced Labor Shelf Number: 155412 |
Author: Wambui, Maina Anne Title: Mobile Technology Based Framework for Curbing Illegal Dumping of Solid Waste through Citizen Observatory a Case Study of Nairobi's Residential Areas, Kenya Summary: Citizens of a country are the main asset to any nation‟s growth. A healthy nation requires a healthy workforce. While littering bylaws have been in place for a long time in Kenya, enforcement of the same has had a large share of difficulties because of failures to involve all stakeholders. The main objective of this research study was to address the communication barrier as one of the factors contributing to poor management of environmental conservation where by most citizens face the challenge of informing the relevant authorities about illegal waste dumping. The research intended to design a mobile technology framework that will promote public participation for efficient and effective means of reporting information on illegal waste dumping to relevant authorities, which would enable the later to process the information, store it, and disseminate it. The study explored the communication challenge affecting the issue of environmental management and conservation across the city using document reviews and responses from a sample size of 23 respondents drawn from the compliance and enforcement wing of the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) and 400 members of the community through questionnaires. The data collected was quantitatively analysed using SPSS version 22 and MS Excel 2013 and presented using charts, frequency tables and graphs. The design of the framework was based on the logical flow of the information and dataflow diagrams in accordance to what the user would like to see implemented in the system. When the feedback was sort from the regulatory agency (NEMA), it was found that the framework articulates solutions to envisaged challenges in the reporting of illegal waste dumping to environmental management bodies. The framework further presents benefits to the citizens in terms of a healthy environment. The results of this study will benefit stakeholders that influence environmental conservation in one way or another i.e. NEMA; County Government; Residents and business owners; Health Sectors, and Industries (both manufacturing and recycling / garbage collection industries) among others. It is recommended to implement a system based on the proposed framework to further test the viability of the solutions to challenges discussed in this report. The system can then be tested and the framework improved on. Since the study was carried out in Nairobi County the data and the conclusions made in this study may only be a unique indicator to this county. The unique attributes of Nairobi are not identical to other towns and counties and thus the findings are not generalizable. To overcome this limitation, it is recommended that a similar study be done in other towns to reveal more on illegal waste dumping and management of the same. In carrying out comprehensive research on illegal waste dumping, it is also recommended that views from other authorities responsible for environmental matters be sought especially in different departments of different organizations that deal with compliance and enforcements. Details: United States International University, 2016. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 23, 2019 at: http://erepo.usiu.ac.ke/handle/11732/2729 Year: 2016 Country: Kenya Keywords: Citizen Observatory Shelf Number: 156045 |