Resurgence of Criminal Gangs Across Kenya (2025)

A recent study conducted by the National Crime Research Centre (NCRC) has raised the alarm over a growing resurgence of criminal gangs in Kenya, with a majority of citizens reporting increased gang presence. Surveying 11 counties, the research revealed that 82.3% of Kenyans believe gangs are active, citing signs such as escalating violence, public intimidation, and a worrying traction among youth groups. The Standard+2The Standard+2
The data paints a sobering portrait: 87.6% of respondents observed gangs operating openly, with hotspots in urban and coastal centres like Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kisumu. The Standard In Kisumu, for instance, 89.3% of residents reported seeing gang activity, while Busia and Bungoma were not far behind. The Standard According to the report, more than 300 gangs were mapped across the surveyed regions, engaging in extortion, drug trafficking, robbery, human trafficking, and even political violence. The Standard The study attributes the surge to underlying socio-economic challenges: rampant youth unemployment, poverty, weak law enforcement coordination, and exploitation of political and familial vulnerabilities. The Standard
Government reaction has been swift. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who addressed concerned communities in Mombasa, underscored that the proliferation of these gangs poses a growing threat to national security. The Standard Security experts and community leaders have echoed this sentiment, pressing for stronger collaboration between law enforcement, local communities, and national agencies. Civil society actors warn that unless the root causes—such as joblessness and marginalisation—are addressed, gangs will continue to gain footholds in vulnerable areas.
Looking ahead, the NCRC report recommends a multi-pronged approach: bolstering police capacity, improving prosecution of gang-related crime, and ramping up youth empowerment programs. The Standard Officials say they are exploring strategies to build trust with local communities, strengthen intelligence gathering, and prevent further recruitment into these criminal networks. If successfully implemented, these measures could help Kenya stem the rising tide of gang-related crime and safeguard its social fabric.