A report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) on Thursday, May 5, revealed the most insecure counties in the country based on the number of crimes reported to the police in 2021.
Nairobi tops the list with 6,686 cases reported - an increase of 14.4 per cent from 5,844 in 2021. The second most insecure county is Kiambu, which registered 5,715 cases.
Meru made a surprise appearance on the list, coming in third with 5,032 cases, recording the greatest increase in insecurity over the period. Nakuru and Machakos came in fourth and fifth respectively.
Other counties that recorded more than 2,000 cases include Kisii (2,833), Murang'a (2,691), Mombasa (2,358), Kilifi (2,330), Kisumu (2,258), Bungoma (2,193) Uasin Gishu (2,175), Kitui (2,165).
Kakamega, Makueni, Trans Nzoia, Homa Bay, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Kajiado, Nyandarua , Embu, Nyamira, Siaya, Kericho, Busia, Laikipia, Migori, Bomet, Nandi conclude the top most 30 most insecure counties.
Counties in Nothern Kenya emerged the most secure with Samburu, Mandera and Wajir recording the least crime cases in the county in 2021.
The most committed crime were offences against other persons. Stealing, offences against morality, drug-related offences, and criminal and economic crimes, while acts against tourists were the least committed offences.
The number of Kenyans who caused loss of lives through homicide and careless driving also increased during the period under review. Furthermore, the state recovered a total of 114 guns and 8,232 rounds of ammunition.
"The total number of persons reported having committed homicide went up by 9.3 per cent from 2,494 in 2020 to 2,726 in 2021. Similarly, persons reported to have committed murder and death by dangerous driving increased to 2,088 and 405 respectively," read the report in part.
In the 2020/21 year, 2032 corruption cases were reported with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). Of these,103 have been referred to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP).
Notably, 392 were referred to public organizations while 73 are pending more information. However, 777 cases have been terminated with no further action preferred.
