The Relationship Between Poverty And Criminal Behaviour In Kenya: A Critical Analysis On The Crime Of Theft.

ABTSRACT

The level of criminal propensity in areas faced with massive poverty is quite high.

compared to the economically upgraded areas. This research has one of its objectives as

ascertaining the relationship between poverty and crime in Kenya.

A number of studies may have been carried out on the causes of crime but specific

attention has not been previously had to the relationship between crime and pove11y

especially the offence of theft.

It is pertinent to note as is done in this research that there are a set of laws regulating

conduct of persons in society against commission of crimes. The laws set out sanctions a

institutions for regulation of crime. Economic empowerment of the people in society has

not attracted much attention as a mechanism of averting crime especially theft. This

research therefore sets out a comparative analysis of the crime rates in pove11y stricken

areas and those that are economically well off.

Conclusively, the research analyses the law. the implementation/ enforcement

framework, the causes of crime including poverty and its contribution to high rates of

poverty in Kenya. The research takes note of the social economic realities, the field

findings and challenges and finally alludes to recommendations and conclusion.