State Warns of Gang Proliferation Among Youth in Kenya

A fresh report by the National Crime Research Centre (NCRC) is raising red flags: criminal gangs are making a strong comeback in Kenya. Surveying 11 counties, researchers found that 82.3 percent of respondents believe gangs are active in their communities — citing growing levels of intimidation, violence, and recruitment, especially among youth. The Standard+2The Standard+2
The study—titled The Proliferation and Resilience of Criminal Gangs in Kenya—reveals that gang visibility is at a staggering 87.6 percent, with over three-quarters of people in each surveyed county confirming frequent sightings or encounters. The Standard+1 The counties reporting the highest gang presence include Kisumu (89.3%), Busia (88.7%), and Bungoma (88.4%), while others such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, Nakuru, Kwale, Kiambu, Machakos, and Garissa also featured prominently in the study. The Standard
According to the NCRC, this proliferation is deeply rooted in socio‑economic and structural vulnerabilities. Key drivers identified include peer pressure (91.5%), youth unemployment and poverty (88.5%), and the ready availability of illegal drugs (79.7%). The Standard+1 Weak family support systems, inadequate formal education, political manipulation, and even community tolerance of gang culture also play a role. The Standard The report warns that without urgent interventions, these gangs will continue to adapt and spread, undermining national security. The Standard
In response, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has expressed serious concern about the danger to national stability, noting that the gangs are not only widespread but increasingly bold. The Standard Experts and civil society leaders are calling for a multi-pronged strategy — stronger policing, community engagement, better youth empowerment, and investment in social services — to stem the tide. The NCRC echoes this, recommending deeper cooperation between communities and law enforcement, stronger prosecutions, and programmes to rehabilitate gang-involved youth. The Standard+1
Looking ahead, the findings could galvanise government action. If the policy recommendations are taken seriously, Kenya may soon see renewed efforts to strengthen its criminal justice system and address the socio-economic root causes that fuel gang membership. But with more than 300 gangs reportedly mapped in the surveyed counties, the road to curbing their influence will likely be long—and demand sustained political will, funding, and community trust. The Standard