| dc.description.abstract | Internationally, cnme and violence are increasingly becoming recognized as a
development problem, particularly in urban areas. The incidence of crime,
rape, robbery and gang violence, as well as gender-based domestic violence,
undermines both macro- and micro-economic growth and productivity of a
country's development, as well as societal and individual well-being. Urban
crime and violence are not a spontaneous occurrence, but, the product of a
society characterized by inequality and social exclusion. Measures that protect
the citizens from deprivation, unemployment, homelessness, illiteracy and
social disintegration will ultimately also protect them from crime.
Crime and violence erodes social capital when it reduces trust and co-operation
within formal and informal social organisations. The capacity for communitylevel
o~ganizations to function depends on levels of cohesion and the ability to
meet locally; this hinges on personal safety issues. The response, particularly
for women, is frequently to avoid certain places after dark. Nairobi, a city
almost 3 million inhabitants, is experiencing high crime rates. The causes of
crime are often linked to institutional weaknesses of society. Crime increases
where the social control that operates through formal institutions and informal
institutions, are broken or weakened.
In this study the role, perception and institutional factors of the Kenyan Police
that contribute to their performance was carried out because of the important
role the Kenya Police has in maintaining law and order and also creating an
enabling environment for 'economic growth. The study was carried out over a
period of three months. It was established that there is need to create
awareness on the rule of law" the police would require regular training and
good housing, The police stand orders also need to be reviewed. The study
found that further studies need to be down to narrow the gap between thegeneral public and the police officers. The training used and recruitment
criteria also is an area that needs to be studied. | en |
