Public Order Violations During the 2016 Security Preparations

Kenya’s National Police Service (NPS) recorded a significant surge in crime in 2016, according to its annual crime report. A total of 76,986 criminal cases were reported across the country, marking a 6 percent increase compared to the 72,496 cases documented in 2015. National Police Service The report covers not just traditional crime categories, but also incidents involving dangerous drugs, corruption, school unrest, and traffic-related issues. National Police Service
Delving deeper into the data, the report highlights that most of the rise was driven by increases in vehicle theft, theft by servants, and dangerous drug offenses. National Police Service For instance, dangerous drug possession cases alone went up by 595, a 12 percent increase, while trafficking rose by 102 cases, or 25 percent. National Police Service Other categories that saw notable upticks included fatalities involving homicide, which rose by 103 cases (around 4 percent), and criminal damage, which also climbed by 8 percent. National Police Service On the flip side, the report notes some declines — robbery cases dropped by 168 (roughly 6 percent), and theft of livestock fell by 43 cases (2 percent). National Police Service
Geographically, the report singles out Nairobi County as having the highest number of vehicle and other theft cases, with 195 reported incidents, followed by Mombasa, Kiambu, and Nakuru counties. National Police Service Meanwhile, theft by servant was most frequently reported in Nairobi (335 cases) and Kiambu (237). National Police Service In terms of more serious crimes, arson led the increase (130 new cases, +20 percent), while housebreaking rose by 8 percent, and fraudulent obtaining (false pretence) went up by 7 percent. National Police Service
The rise in crime figures is drawing strong reactions from various quarters. Civil society organisations are calling for better policing and stronger preventive measures, especially regarding drugs and economic crimes. Analysts argue that while the raw numbers are troubling, the geographical concentration of crimes in urban counties like Nairobi underscores the need for targeted intervention. The increase in arson and theft also raises red flags about social inequality and economic pressures.
Looking ahead, the NPS faces an urgent task: translating its crime data into actionable policy. The report’s findings could prompt a review of resource allocation, particularly for high-burden counties. More importantly, there is pressure for enhanced community policing and early-warning programs to curb the rising trends in theft, drug trafficking, and violent crime. If acted upon, these reforms could help reverse the 2016 uptick and bolster national security.