Emerging Forms of Violence in Universities and Campus Safety Initiatives: A case of Kenya

Abstract

Violence has become a global issue of concern whether it is in society, in general; or specifically in or against educational institutions. Recent observations show that learning institutions have become violent places where all types of weapons such as guns, sharp objects and equipment; liquid chemicals; oral communication forms; are used to inflict or activate violence.This worrying trend of violence in learning institutions has increased in scope overtime. The 21st century violence has emerged in different formswith technological advancements, knowledge growth and expansion, much social exposure, interactions and information exchange across regional and international borders. High levels of violence are precipitated by underlying political, economic and social challenges that include social inequality, poverty,and institutional shortcomings.There is a strong relationship between forms of violence and factors such as income and gender inequality, the harmful use of alcohol, and the absence of safe, stable, and nurturing relationships.Hence, these various causes of violence impacting on different personalities and environments within its scope of occurrence. In all its spheres, violence occurrences in universities and other institutions of higher learning is common. This paper aims at discussing the emerging forms of violence, their causes and possible campus safety initiatives that have been put in place to nurture and promote a peacebuilding environment that elicit respect and dignity in universities and other institutions of higher learning.