INFLUENCE OF DRUG USE ON YOUTH INVOLVEMENT IN CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES IN KIBOKONI ESTATE MVITA CONSTITUENCY, MOMBASA COUNTY, KENYA

Edward Odhiambo Meshack, Dr. Muhindi P.K. Solomon

Abstract


This study's objective was to evaluate the impact of drug usage on youth involvement in criminal activity in Mombasa County, Kenya's Kibokoni Estate (Old Town), Mvita Constituency. The study used a descriptive research approach. The NACADA team and the local government served as the study's NGOs, and the research's target demographic was young people (18 to 35 years old). The study was sampled using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Since it is uncertain what percentage of young people use marijuana and engage in violent behavior, the project sample for adolescents was computed using Fishers Formulae to get a sample size of 3200 respondents. In addition to secondary data gathered from journals, papers, books, and legal provisions among the scholarly sources of data, a semi-structured questionnaire was the key data collection tool. Data was collected, edited, coded, and entered into a social science statistical tool for analysis. Both descriptive (frequency, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics were used in this study's analysis. The descriptive analysis uncovered significant patterns in respondents' behavior regarding drug use and criminal engagement. Specifically, respondents indicated a troubling prevalence of bhang use, with a mean score indicating frequent engagement. Moreover, respondents reported their involvement in criminal activities, highlighting the intricate connection between substance abuse and unlawful behavior. The study recommends for development and implementation of community-based educational initiatives, enhancement of law enforcement efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks and creation of robust support systems for at-risk youth.

Keywords: Drug Use, Youth Involvement, Criminal Activities


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References


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