An Investigation of Public Perceptions of Youth Crime and Juvenile Delinquency in Embakasi Sub-county in Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

Youth crime and juvenile delinquency have continued to elicit concerns among stakeholders. This paper reports findings of a study to investigate public perceptions of youth crime and juvenile delinquency in public primary schools in Embakasi West Constituency, Nairobi County.  A survey design was adopted and the sample drawn using systematic random method to select participants. The questionnaire was the key research instrument. Validity was ascertained by ensuring that the items were aligned to the construct in question. The study found that the public perceives youth crime and juvenile delinquency to be increasing dramatically, as is the seriousness of the crimes committed. The media, urbanization, family, economic factors, school and peer influences were found to be determinants that shape public perceptions of youth crime and juvenile delinquency. The study recommends continuous and extensive research on youth crime and juvenile delinquency with a view to informing policy to respond appropriately to youth crime.

Keywords: Juvenile delinquency, youth crime, perceptions, deviant behaviour, students, children, adolescents, parents, school, neighbor hood