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Kenyan Coalition Against Landmines, Press Release
August 1, 2002

Nairobi Public Worried About Increase
In Crime And Guns, Says City Survey

Over 50 experts on small arms and light weapons from Kenya and South Africa met in Nairobi on July 29th 2002 to review the results of a survey conducted in mid-2001on firearm penetration in the city of Nairobi.

During June/July 2001 the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) undertook a survey in Nairobi to establish attitudes among citizens towards the nature and extent of firearms and crime in Nairobi. The survey spoke to 1,800 people from three groups: business owners, people on the street, and people at home.

The survey results show that overall:

• 74% of respondents believe there is an increase in crime in the city
  
• 84% of people believed more guns are available in Nairobi than in the past
  
• One in ten people in Nairobi carry some type of weapon, such as a knife, stick, club or gun.

Growing insecurity was identified as leading to an increased demand for weapons for protection, including firearms. When asked what government and communities could do respondents suggested:

• improved policing;
  
• better border controls;
  
• improving legislation; and
  
• community based campaigns

as some of the measures that could be taken by government to improve security and address the problem of gun proliferation.

Drawn from civil society, government and the police units, the participants examined the findings of the survey, which, among other things highlights the fears of the Nairobi population on the extent of the use and misuse of firearms by both civilians and armed forces. Participants also presented their perspectives on small arms proliferation, insecurity and crime.

The workshop was held at a time when over half of Nairobi's 1.5 million citizens feel that crime is on the rampage and that authorities should step up efforts to stem it.

Insecurity, whether based upon the reality of criminal activity or merely its perception, is a key factor that drives the demand for firearms. Ms Mereso Agina, the Coordinator of Kenya Coalition Against Landmines asserts: "In tackling crime and firearm-related offences, it is important to identify what the community feels are the most pressing priorities for improving safety".

The proliferation of small arms and light weapons is one of the biggest challenges currently facing Kenya and the East African sub-region. However, the Kenya government and civil society have begun addressing the small arms problem during the last three years. In March 2000, ten countries of the Great Lakes and the Horn of Africa sub-region adopted the Nairobi declaration against the proliferation of light weapons and small arms. By November 2000 an agenda for action and an implementation plan were put in place.

Ms Agina said the survey seeks to ask and answer questions about the nature and extent of firearm penetration in Nairobi and also serves to illustrate the perceived level of attitude of the citizens of Nairobi toward gun running, violent robberies and their own security mechanisms.