Relationship Between Income Level and Criminal Behavior Among Youths in Embakasi Central in Nairobi County

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@article{1707783,
      author = {Annita Mutuku, Dr. Solomon Muhindi},
      title = {Relationship Between Income Level and Criminal Behavior Among Youths in Embakasi Central in Nairobi County},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2025},
      volume = {8},
      number = {10},
      pages = {962-971},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1707783.pdf},
      abstract = {Background
The relationship between crime and socio-economic factors differs across regions and countries. Some research has focused solely on economic factors of crime, without considering deterrent variables. This study aimed to investigate relationship between income level and criminal behavior among youths in Embakasi Central in Nairobi County. Two theories guided this study: Strain Theory of Crime and Behavioral Criminal Theory.
Methodology 
The study population consisted of residents of Embakasi Central, including youth, women, and men, totaling approximately 350,000 people. A sample of 214 respondents was selected (a response rate of 71.57%) against the planned sample size of 300, determined using a mathematical approach developed by Nassiuma in 2000. Data were collected through structured questionnaires from participants aged 18 years and above. Qualitative data were gathered from area administrators, such as chiefs and assistant chiefs, through in-depth interviews (IDIs). A pilot study was carried out with 10% of the respondents from the neighboring Embakasi East area to pretest the questionnaire. For the subsequent descriptive analysis, the researcher organized, cleaned, coded, and processed the quantitative data using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. The findings were presented in tables, frequencies, and percentages. Inferential statistical analysis was conducted, including Pearson correlation, to examine the relationship between youth involvement in crime (dependent variable) and the independent variables. The results showed significant correlations: income level (r=0.912, p<0.05).
Findings
The analysis demonstrated that the examined variables had a significant impact on youth involvement in criminal activities, though to varying degrees. Regression analysis indicated that fluctuations in youth criminal behavior in Embakasi Central were linked to changes in income level. Qualitative data were analyzed using a thematic approach, incorporating narratives aligned with the study objective. The findings were presented in a structured manner to support the formulation of relevant recommendations.
Conclusion
The study recommends that the government, in partnership with employment agencies, work towards creating employment opportunities for youths. This would keep them engaged and reduce their likelihood of involvement in criminal behavior. Employers should consider offering decent wages or salaries to youths in both formal and informal jobs, which would increase their income levels and further decrease their chances of engaging in criminal activities.},
      keywords = {Crime, Socio-economic factors, Income level, Youth, Criminal behavior, Employment},
      month = {April},
  }