The growing involvement of school-age children in criminal gangs has emerged as a major concern for Kenya's justice sector, with authorities warning that youth radicalisation and intimidation of witnesses could undermine efforts to combat crime.
The National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) has identified the rise of criminal gangs among children as an emerging security challenge, citing inadequate parental responsibility and the growing influence of organised criminal networks.
In its 2025/2026 annual report, the council highlights the proliferation of school-age gangs and witness intimidation among the challenges confronting the justice system. It also proposes preventive interventions targeting child marriage and youth radicalisation through stronger community engagement.
The concerns feature prominently in the NCAJ Strategic Plan for 2026-2030, which places the fight against goonism among its priorities and calls for a coordinated approach involving law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and other justice institutions.
Under the five-year plan, the National Crime Research Centre (NCRC) will lead research to establish the extent of gang activity, identify recruitment patterns and map areas considered vulnerable to organised violence. The research will involve the NCAJ, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Probation and Aftercare Services and the Kenya Prisons Service. The council intends to produce five research and mapping reports during the plan period, starting in the 2026/2027 financial year.
Beyond investigations, the strategy seeks to strengthen the handling of gang-related cases through guidelines and standard operating procedures, with the National Police Service taking the lead. The council has also set targets for 10 public awareness campaigns on the consequences of goonism and violence, alongside 20 youth mentorship, engagement and diversion forums in areas identified as high-risk.
The proposed measures build on findings from a 2025 NCRC study that documented 309 criminal gangs operating across 11 counties. Mombasa accounted for the highest number, with 73 gangs, followed by Nairobi with 56 and Kilifi with 47.
The study found that 82.3 per cent of respondents believed criminal gangs had spread in their communities. However, 53.2 per cent reported that gang numbers had declined over the previous three years, suggesting that their influence and geographical reach remain a concern even where their numbers may be falling.
Researchers identified poverty, unemployment, substance abuse and peer pressure as some of the factors exposing young people to gang recruitment. Some gangs reportedly attract vulnerable youth through financial rewards and promises of protection, while political patronage has also been identified as a major factor sustaining criminal networks.
The study raised concern over politicians allegedly financing and using gangs for personal, electoral and business interests, and recommended action against leaders found to be supporting or protecting criminal groups. Corruption within government and security institutions, political interference, weak prosecution and poor coordination among justice agencies were also cited as obstacles to dismantling the networks.
How suspected gang members should be dealt with has exposed differences within the justice sector.
During the launch of the NCAJ annual report, Directorate of Criminal Investigations Director Mohammed Amin criticised what he described as lenient bail and bond terms for suspected goons, arguing that such decisions could undermine deterrence and allow repeat offenders to return to the streets.
Chief Justice Martha Koome, however, challenged investigators to look beyond those directly involved in violence and pursue the individuals financing, organising and protecting the gangs. She urged police to investigate the wider networks behind criminal activities, arguing that those who sponsor and facilitate violence must also be held accountable.
The new strategy places emphasis on prevention, research, youth empowerment and stronger cooperation among justice agencies, while seeking to address the networks and interests that enable criminal gangs to operate.
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