| dc.description.abstract | Despite the paucity of data available
regarding crime rates in developing countries, and
the variations in the adequacy of the statistics, one
finds that the generalization that criminality is ,
rapidly increasing in developing countries can be
substantiated. 'And Kenya, as a developing country,
seems to adhere to this pattern.Studies of crime
in Kenya are therefore needed if one is to try to
prevent an escalation of criminal activity as Kenya
continues to develop economically. The author chose to
study crime in Thika since Thika is a growth centre
and as such has expanded at a considerable rate in
the last ten years, and the population growth is expected
to continue in this direction - at around 11.1% per year.
This study gives the results of a questionnaire
applied to 150 Thika residents, and findings from the
police summaries for 1968-1977; in addition data gathered
from the police registers for this period is analysed.
Major hypotheses which were tested were:
(1) Men have committed relatively more crimes
than women;
(2) The majority of crimes are committed by persons
between the ages 20-35 years.
Testing of the hypotheses indicated that most crimes
in Thika are committed by men aged 20-35 years.The author found that the research could
have been carried out more effectively if those recording
the details of the accused person in the police registers
could be more accurate in their descriptions of age, place
of residence and occupation of the accused person.
The major recommendations the author wishes to
make involve the design of houses; the patrolling of certain
areas at night by police; increase~ co-operation amongst
members of a community as a result of improved social
facilities. Finally ,the author feels that a possible long
term solution to Thika's criminal activity is to encourage
the development of tne informal sector | |
