Effect of Peace Barazas on Crime Control in Machakos County, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of peace barazas on crime control in Machakos. The study adopted descriptive case study research design so as to learn new insights and broaden the understanding of crime and crime control. The target population comprised of individuals who were directly or indirectly involved in crime control. These were the police officers, Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs, community policing members as well as senior village elders. Krejcie & Morgan sampling method was applied in coming up with the sample size.  The research employed primary and secondary sources of data where primary data. From the study findings it’s evident that peace Barraza were held at least three times in a month in all administrative units and members of the public attend the meetings whenever convened. The study concludes that practice is indeed an effective measure towards crime prevention and control in Machakos County. Through Peace Barazas, members together with security agents were able to identify and also address root causes of underlying conflict. The study recommended that measures should be taken by County Commissioners, to promote co-operation between local communities and regional authorities, particularly in criminal prevention. Peace actors should be capacitated with knowledge and skills so as to be able to discharge this mandate effectively. The National Steering Committee on peace building and conflict management should undertake the training and capacity building of peace committees.