The National Crime Research Centre report on ‘Emerging Crimes: The Case of Kidnapping in Kenya, 2017’ pointed out children and juveniles aged below 18 years at (78.1%) among the main victims targeted by kidnappers.
A key factor to the crime especially on school going children is lack of parental monitoring on the children while going to and returning from school. The activities of the school going children during these unmonitored times may make them easy targets and thus fall prey to kidnappers.
Parents, guardians and educational institutions are therefore urged to closely monitor the movement of children to protect them against kidnappers.
The Child Protection Unit within the National Police Service needs to be strengthened in order to focus on detection and prevention of crime against vulnerable children.
Child handlers within the education institutions need to create awareness among children on being vigilant while interacting with suspicious strangers who are found to be the leading perpetrators of kidnappings at (89.0%).
For more information on the full report, visit our website www.crimeresearch.go.ke
Gerard E. Wandera
Director/CEO
National Crime Research Centre
ACK Gardens Annex-Ground Floor
1st Ngong Avenue Off Bishop’s Road
P.O Box 21180-00100 Nairobi
Tel: +254-20-2714735/+254-722-980102
Email: director@crimeresearch.go.ke
Website: www.crimeresearch.go.ke
