Crime and Pollution in Kakamega

Crime Data in Kakamega

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, Kakamega's crime data indicates a moderate level of concern, with certain areas experiencing higher fears related to nighttime safety and property-related offenses.

While many residents feel safe during daylight, the sentiment changes at night, driven by worries of crime and personal safety.

Some notable concerns include:

• Property Crimes - Property crimes, while present, are not at the top of Kakamega citizens' concerns, though there's some anxiety around break-ins and theft.
• Drug-Related Issues - The community perceives drug-related crimes as an increasing concern, affecting the perceived level of safety among residents.
• Violent Crimes - Concerns about violent crimes are minimal in Kakamega, as indicated by the lack of significant worries among residents about muggings or physical assaults.
• Public Safety - Kakamega residents feel relatively secure in daylight. However, safety concerns grow at night due to perceived risks of violence and theft.

Crime Trends and Safety

• Rising Crime Concerns - There is a notable perception that crime rates are on the rise, particularly concerning drug-related activities and their impact on community well-being.
• Specific Fears - The community's specific fears revolve around nighttime safety and the growing influence of drug-related crimes rather than violent crimes or ethnic-related violence.

Summary of Crime in Kakamega

Kakamega shows a balance between moderate crime concerns and positive daytime safety perceptions. Addressing drug-related issues and enhancing nighttime security are key areas for improvement in the city's public safety outlook.

Crime Rankings

The crime ranking by city for Kenya is based on a continuously updated index, incorporating data up to 36 months old and calculated twice a year. Cities are ranked on a scale from "very low" to "very high" crime levels, with safety being the inverse, where a high safety index indicates a safer city.

1. Nairobi

Kenya

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Kakamega displays commendable air quality, earning positive feedback from residents who find it comfortable to spend time outdoors.

Despite the positive air quality indicators, challenges remain in certain urban sectors impacting the overall pollution perception.

• PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter) - The PM2.5 levels in Kakamega are minimal, posing little immediate health concern to residents and aligning with the city's overall positive air quality perception.
• PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter) - With PM10 levels similarly low, Kakamega sustains a favorable air quality status encouraging outdoor activities and healthier living environments.

Waste and Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is a significant concern in Kakamega, with residents expressing discomfort over noise levels in urban areas.

Garbage disposal practices and the cleanliness of public areas remain areas of dissatisfaction, impacting residents' quality of life.

• Garbage Disposal Satisfaction - Residents report dissatisfaction with garbage disposal services, indicating a need for improved waste management systems.
• Noise and Light Pollution - Residents have highlighted noise pollution as a major issue, stemming primarily from urban activities, which affects their daily living standards.

Green Spaces and Water Quality

Kakamega's green space quality is not highly rated, suggesting potential areas for improvement in terms of recreational and environmental amenities.

Drinking water quality in Kakamega is considered adequate, but there's room for enhancing accessibility and quality perceptions.

• Green and Parks Quality - The city's parks and green areas are seen as lacking by residents, indicating a need for development and investment in these community spaces.
• Drinking Water Quality - While water quality is acceptable, there is mixed feedback on its accessibility and purity, suggesting potential improvements in water management and infrastructure.

Pollution Rankings

The pollution ranking for Kenya is based on a combination of visitor perceptions and data from institutions like the World Health Organization. The Pollution Index estimates overall pollution levels by considering air and water pollution, garbage disposal, and other factors, with air pollution given the highest weight, while the Pollution Exp Scale uses an exponential function to highlight extremely polluted cities.

1. Nairobi

Kenya