Child Socialization Agents And Juvenile Delinquency: A Case Study of Shimo La Tewa Borstal Institution For Boys, Mombasa County, Kenya

Abstract

Globally and in Kenya, the prevalence of delinquent behavior among adolescents has increased considerably over the past several decades. This research examined the connection between different socialization factors and juvenile delinquency among boys at Shimo La Tewa Borstal Institution. The first objective was to examine the relationship between juvenile delinquency and family related factors, the second one examined the relationship between juvenile delinquency and school-related factors, the third objective examined the relationship between juvenile delinquency and drug use while the fourth objective examined the relationship between juvenile delinquency and socioeconomic status among the young offenders at the Shimo La Tewa Borstal Institution. The study population consisted of 240 young offenders, 48 wardens and 1 counsellor. From this population, a sample of 60 inmates, 18 wardens and 1 counsellor were utilized to collect data. A mixed research methodology was utilized to collect data. To collect quantitative data, a questionnaire was used. For qualitative data, interviews and focus group discussions were utilized to collect data from prison wardens and the resident counsellor. Quantitative data was evaluated using SPSS whilst qualitative data was assessed thematically. The results were presented using frequencies, bar graphs, percentages and pie charts. From the findings, this research found out that the most important family related factors revolved around parents. Alcoholism among parents was quoted as a high contributor to juvenile delinquency at 33.9%. In regard to school-related factors, it was discovered that 30% of the respondents were not motivated to do well and excel in their studies. The study also found out that 85% of the respondents at the Borstal Institution had a history of using drugs. Finally, the study found out that only a minority of respondents at 11.75% had parents who held permanent employment. The study also found out that a high number of the inmates at the Borstal Institution (35%) lacked basic needs including food, shelter, medical care and clothing. In its conclusion, this study observed that juvenile delinquency was caused by an interplay of various risk factors. The risk factors identified in this study include familial aspects encompassing parenting styles and parent- child relationship. Other risk factors identified included low academic motivation, difficulties in learning, peer pressure, poverty and drug use by the minors as well as their parents. The study made several recommendations in light of the research findings. It is crucial for parents and guardians to cultivate good relationships with their children. Parents and guardians also need to be involved in their children’s school programs and find ways of motivating them to work towards set goals and aspirations. In addition, the Government should enforce laws regulating sale of drugs like miraa, alcohol and tobacco to limit access and use among minors. In the case of illegal drugs, the Government should crack down on distributors of the drugs to limit their accessibility in residential areas and schools. Finally, the Government, NGOs and religious organizations need to put in place policies and strategies to assist children from poor families remain in school.