FACTORS INFLUENCING MOTORCYCLE RELATED CRIMES IN NAKURU EAST SUB-COUNTY, NAKURU COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Motorcycle is one of the most popular modes of transport in Kenya. The industry provides livelihood to millions of Kenyans, especially the youths. However, despite these advantages, the industry is faced with social, economic, and cultural challenges that have significantly increased crime levels in urban areas. Increased presence and use of motorcycles has attracted criminals who have taken advantage of the industry to perpetrate various crimes and escape easily. Despite the existence of various laws that regulates the registration and operations of commercial motorcycles, insecurity, and cases of motorcycle related crimes such as theft, robbery, and assault perpetrated by motorcycle riders and also against commercial riders, have been on the rise. The study sought to examine the factors influencing motorcycle related crimes in Nakuru East Sub-county, Nakuru County, Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to determine the nature and types of motorcycle related crimes, the mode of operations used in motorcycle related crimes, and the social and economic factors influencing motorcycle related crimes in Nakuru East Sub-County, Nakuru County, Kenya. The study was based on Routine Activities Theory and Crime Pattern theory. Survey research design was used in the study. Primary data was collected using interview schedules and key informant interviews. Stratified sampling was used to select 310 motorcycle riders from four strata which include Bondeni, Flamingo, Mwariki B, and Kivumbini then simple random sampling was used to select respondents from these strata. The data collected were tallied and analysed to produce frequency distribution, percentages, and mean. The study found the use of violence and weapons as a nature of motorcycle related crime. The study established robbery and robbery with violence as a major type of motorcycle related crime. Operation in groups and the use of motorcycles to trace the movements of victims and survey possible targets was found to be a popular mode of operation used to perpetrate motorcycle related crime. The study also established the use of drug and substance abuse and unemployment as the major socio economic factors influencing motorcycle related crimes. The study recommended increased police patrols, enactment of stringent motorcycle transport laws, and the creation of more job opportunities for youths, and youths, to help address motorcycle related crimes.