Crime Reports Surge 19% Across Kenya in 2023.
Police data shows criminal cases in Kenya rose to 104,842 in 2023, up from 88,083 in 2022, according to the National Police Service annual report.
Officials link the increase partly to nationwide operations against illicit substances led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Assault cases topped the list at 19,328 incidents, followed by 18,534 theft cases. Robbery increased 12.8% to 3,988 cases.
Violent crimes such as assault, disturbance, and grievous harm totaled 25,471 cases, rising from 22,573 in 2022. Homicide cases showed a slight decline of 0.8%, dropping from 3,056 to 3,021.
Regional analysis revealed that Rift Valley recorded the highest crime rate, with 23,481 cases. The Eastern region followed with 20,423 cases, and the Central region reported 19,196 incidents. Among counties, Kiambu led with 9,532 cases, Meru registered 6,037, and Murang'a reported 3,660.
The government established a new police unit, the National Government Administrative Police Unit (Ngapu), to strengthen security and peace-building efforts. This formation addresses concerns raised in the Maraga Taskforce Report about policing gaps at community levels.
Counter-terrorism efforts showed progress, with reported incidents decreasing from 67 to 58. Security forces arrested 32 terror suspects. Mandera recorded the most incidents, followed by Lamu, Garissa, and Wajir. A new U.S.-supported counter-terrorism training center opened in Kitui County.
Drug-related prosecutions remained significant. Authorities charged 6,397 suspects with possession, 1,278 with trafficking, and 216 with cultivation. Common substances include cannabis, heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, and various prescription medications.
Police data shows criminal cases in Kenya rose to 104,842 in 2023, up from 88,083 in 2022, according to the National Police Service annual report.
Officials link the increase partly to nationwide operations against illicit substances led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Assault cases topped the list at 19,328 incidents, followed by 18,534 theft cases. Robbery increased 12.8% to 3,988 cases.
Violent crimes such as assault, disturbance, and grievous harm totaled 25,471 cases, rising from 22,573 in 2022. Homicide cases showed a slight decline of 0.8%, dropping from 3,056 to 3,021.
Regional analysis revealed that Rift Valley recorded the highest crime rate, with 23,481 cases. The Eastern region followed with 20,423 cases, and the Central region reported 19,196 incidents. Among counties, Kiambu led with 9,532 cases, Meru registered 6,037, and Murang'a reported 3,660.
The government established a new police unit, the National Government Administrative Police Unit (Ngapu), to strengthen security and peace-building efforts. This formation addresses concerns raised in the Maraga Taskforce Report about policing gaps at community levels.
Counter-terrorism efforts showed progress, with reported incidents decreasing from 67 to 58. Security forces arrested 32 terror suspects. Mandera recorded the most incidents, followed by Lamu, Garissa, and Wajir. A new U.S.-supported counter-terrorism training center opened in Kitui County.
Drug-related prosecutions remained significant. Authorities charged 6,397 suspects with possession, 1,278 with trafficking, and 216 with cultivation. Common substances include cannabis, heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, and various prescription medications.
