Factors Influencing Gang Violence by Unemployed Youth: A Case of Matayos Sub-County, Busia County-Kenya.

Abstract

Violence among young people is increasingly being felt in societies both local and globally. In the various media reports there is an indication of immense criminal activities and mushrooming violent gangs. More importantly, understanding the cause of this violence and the reason why the young people are engaging in youth gang violence is of essence. The objective of the study was: to explore different manifestations of youth gang violent behaviour experienced in Matayos; investigate whether unemployment contributes to increased youth gang violence in Matayos; explore the coping mechanism adopted by youth in dealing with factors likely to lead to gang violence in Matayos; explore the levels of intervention by the community on youth gang violence in Matayos. It was carried out at Matayos sub-County, Busia County, Kenya and was informed by John Burton’s Basic Human Needs Theory (BHNT). This theory explains the deep rooted conflicts in societies. The study adopted a descriptive research design and utilised both quantitative and qualitative approach throughout the study. The sample procedure was stratified sampling and purposive sampling. The target population comprised youth and key informers who were selected from the target population of 42,002 from where sample sizes of 122 respondents were formed. The criteria for sample selection were based on the household income level. Data was obtained from both primary and secondary sources. The instruments for collecting primary data include survey questionnaire, interview guide and focus group discussions. The quantitative data was generated using the descriptive and inferential statistics through the assistance of a computer Statistical Package of Social Science version 22 (SPSS). The results showed that massive unemployment exhibits strong relationship with violent crimes. Long term unemployment creates a population that experiences marginalization and utilises violence as a way of communication of grievances. The study established that there was a huge gap between those who have and those in need. The findings of the study contribute to development prioritisation in the region for the benefit of the citizens, stakeholders, policy makers and other beneficiaries. It also helps to explore interventions and policies aimed at reducing youth gang violence for instance by starting career interns, giving loans to the youth, establishing Soccer Clubs, Agricultural Clubs and encouraging entrepreneurship respectively.