EFFECT OF SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT ON HOUSEHOLD SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN MALINDI COUNTY, KENYA
Intiswar Athman Male - Student, Masters of Arts in Public Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya
Edna Moi - Lecturer, School of Law, Arts & Social Sciences, Department of Public Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya
ABSTRACT
Crimes can significantly impact the socio-economic development of households by destabilizing them, eroding trust, and hindering economic progress. A variety of crimes exist, including theft, assault, defilement, robbery, domestic violence, drug abuse, and economic crimes. Malindi Sub County, characterized by a 40% poverty rate, is particularly susceptible to crime, prompting this research to examine the effect of crime on household socio-economic development in the Sub County, Kenya. Specifically, the study aims to determine how the social environment, influence household socio-economic development. The research is directed by the Relative Deprivation Theory. Using a descriptive research design, the study targeted households, law enforcement officers, local administration (chiefs, assistants, and elders), probation officers, human rights groups, and local non-governmental organizations, totaling 73,621 individuals. A sample of 170 was chosen via a multi-stage sampling technique, with law enforcement officers and local administration chosen through convenience sampling and households selected using simple random sampling. A pilot study involving 17 participants was done to validate and certify the reliability of data collection tools. The research utilized a mixed-method strategy, gathering qualitative information through interviews with key informants and quantitative data via semi-structured surveys. Thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data, while quantitative data was examined via descriptive techniques. Logistic regression assessed social variables within the dependent variable, complemented by frequency, percentage, correlation, and regression analyses. Statistical Package for Social Sciences facilitated data analysis. The findings highlighted the significant influence of social environment factors on household socioeconomic development. High crime rates were found to detrimentally affect various socioeconomic aspects, emphasizing the necessity for targeted interventions. Factors such as safety, social support systems, access to jobs, and education were identified as crucial contributors to enhanced socioeconomic outcomes, underlining the importance of fostering inclusive social environments and providing opportunities for economic empowerment and education. The conclusion of the study highlights the need for addressing crime effectively, cultivating supportive social environments, tackling unemployment through job creation and skills development, and investing in education to empower individuals and promote sustainable development. The recommendations include strengthening community policing, diversifying the local economy, enhancing access to quality education, and promoting social cohesion and community empowerment through inclusive initiatives.