Investigating factors affecting rate of violent crime in kenya using multiple linear regression

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the key factors affecting rate of violent crimes in Kenya. Data used in this study was obtained from the Kenya Bureau of Statistics. Exponential Population growth model was used to estimate annual Population. I used multiple linear regression model and R Computer software package to analyze the data. In this research study I identified the following violent crimes in Kenya: Murder, Manslaughter, Rape, Assault, Break-ins and Robbery. Others include: defilement, domestic violence, tribal clashes, carjacking, cattle rustling and terrorism. I then classified the crimes into two main categories in line with the Kenyan law. These are: Crime Against Person that includes Murder, Assault, Grievous harm, etc and Crime related to Property which includes Theft, Robbery, Arson, etc. My research has established that the following are key factors affecting violent crime rate: Police ratio, Number of fire arms and ammunitions recovered or surrendered, and conviction rate.