A new report by the National Council on Administrative Justice (NCAJ) paints a worrying picture of the rise in crime rates across Kenya. The report highlights a significant increase in theft, robbery, drug-related offences, burglary, and economic crimes, with a concerning spike in crimes committed by law enforcement officers.
According to the findings, the 2023/24 financial year saw an alarming surge in serious crimes, with a total of 104,769 serious criminal cases processed nationwide, a marked increase from 97,301 in the previous financial year. The report reveals that after a brief decline in 2020/21, crime rates have steadily risen each year, with 2023/24 showing the most significant escalation.
Key Findings:
- Crime Surge: The report indicates a steady rise in crime rates, particularly in cases involving theft, robbery, and drug-related offences. In 2023/24, theft alone accounted for 17.5% of reported crimes, and robbery incidents saw an increase of 400 cases, totaling 3,913 cases, compared to 3,530 in the previous year.
- Police Involvement: One of the most concerning trends identified is the increasing number of crimes committed by police officers. The report reveals that crimes involving law enforcement officers nearly doubled in the past year, from 131 in the previous year to 203 this year.
- Economic Crimes and Corruption: Economic crimes saw a notable rise, growing from 4,619 cases in the previous year to 4,901 this year, with corruption cases also increasing from 96 to 115. This trend has raised alarm about the growing role of economic pressures and systemic issues in driving criminal behaviour.
- Drug-Related Offences: Dangerous drug offences also increased, with cases growing by 100 from 8,077 to 9,107. These crimes accounted for 8.9% of all reported criminal activities in the country.
- Offences Against Children: Crimes against children saw a sharp rise, particularly sexual abuse and child trafficking, which surged by an astounding 203%. These offences represented 46.4% of all cases involving children.
- Crime Against Morality: The report highlights an unsettling trend in offences relating to morality, including prostitution, defilement, and pornography. Despite a decline in the previous years, these crimes saw a slight increase this year, with 7,776 cases reported.
- Prison Population: The report also sheds light on the overcrowded prison system, revealing a notable rise in remandees, with 167,990 individuals awaiting trial as of 2023, up from 103,159 in 2022. Interestingly, there has been a decrease in the number of convicts, with 35,336 individuals incarcerated as compared to 35,557 the previous year. The use of diversion programs and non-custodial sentences for petty offenders has led to a slight reduction in the number of those sent to prison.
- Judicial Processing of Cases: The NCAJ report also outlines the judicial response to crime, with 292,596 criminal cases being processed, including traffic offences. Judges and magistrates managed to clear 263,890 cases, though the number of pending criminal cases grew by 6%, reaching 302,418 at the end of the review period.
The surge in crime has been linked to high levels of unemployment, poverty, and economic hardship, which many believe are contributing to the growing sense of desperation and lawlessness in the country. NCAJ has raised concerns that these rising crime rates may signal broader societal issues that need urgent attention from both the government and the public.
A Call to Action
The NCAJ urges all stakeholders, including government agencies, law enforcement, civil society, and the judiciary, to collaborate on addressing the root causes of crime and ensuring a more effective criminal justice system. Special focus is required on addressing corruption, strengthening police accountability, and improving economic opportunities for citizens.
Chief Justice Martha Koome, who heads the NCAJ, emphasized the need for systemic reforms and greater resources for law enforcement and the judiciary to cope with the increasing caseload and complexity of crime in Kenya.
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