The Ministry of Interior has identified 109 organized criminal gangs and groups operating across Kenya, with Western, Rift Valley, and Nairobi recording the highest numbers.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 6, the Ministry said the number had increased from the 89 groups declared illegal through Gazette Notice No. 10427 of 2016 to 109.
According to the ministry, Western has the highest number with 38 organized criminal gangs, followed by Rift Valley with 22 and Nairobi with 20.
Nyanza has 12 groups, Coast 11, Eastern three, North-Eastern two and Central one.
The government said the gangs have increasingly been involved in violence, intimidation, extortion and other criminal activities.
“ The Government has identified 109 organised criminal gangs and groups across the country, up from the 89 groups declared illegal through Gazette Notice No. 10427 of 2016.Of the 109 groups, 38 are in Western, 22 in Rift Valley, 20 in Nairobi, 12 in Nyanza, 11 in Coast, 3 in Eastern, 2 in North-Eastern and 1 in Central,” read part of the statement.
The Interior Ministry also raised concern over the use of organized youth groups for political intimidation, attacks and harassment as Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election.
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Interior Ministry Says 1,827 Suspects Were Arrested Over Gang-Related Crimes
Between January 1 and August 31, security agencies arrested and arraigned 1,827 suspects over offenses linked to goonism and organized criminal activity.
Trans Nzoia recorded the highest number of arrests, with 491 suspects taken to court during the period.
The ministry said it secured 729 convictions during the same period, with the Rift Valley accounting for 36.5% of all convictions.
A further 716 cases remain before the courts.
The government said the figures demonstrate that its response to organized crime extends beyond arrests to investigations, prosecutions and convictions.
Government Targets Gang Networks
The Interior Ministry added that security agencies have shifted their focus from individual offenders to the wider networks that enable criminal activities to continue.
Through intelligence-led policing, investigators are identifying gang leaders, recruiters and financiers while linking seemingly separate criminal incidents.
Financial investigations are also underway to trace proceeds from extortion, robbery, illegal businesses, and other forms of organized crime where evidence exists.
However, efforts to combat organized crime have been complicated by decentralized gang structures and the spread of small arms and light weapons, particularly in vulnerable border areas.
To address these challenges, government agencies are strengthening cooperation among security agencies, expanding community-based intelligence gathering and working closely with neighboring countries to tackle cross-border criminal activities.
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The Inspector-General of Police has since directed Regional Police Commanders to take firm, decisive and lawful action against criminal gangs and organised violence within their areas of command.
Police officers found, through due process, to have facilitated criminal activities or failed to take appropriate action will face administrative or disciplinary measures.
The government also warned that individuals who recruit, finance or direct criminal groups will be held accountable alongside those who carry out acts of violence
Government Seeks to Keep Youths Out of Gangs
The Interior Ministry said enforcement measures alone cannot end organized crime, noting that some offenders return to criminal activities after release because they go back to the same environments and networks that first drew them into crime.
The government said many people drawn into criminal groups are young people who may be attracted by promises of quick money, coerced into joining or exploited by individuals who finance and direct violence.
As part of its response, the government said it would combine enforcement with prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration.
The ministry said it would work with the Probation and Aftercare Service, Kenya Prisons Service, county governments, faith-based organizations and community leaders to help former gang members rebuild their lives and reintegrate into their communities.
It also encouraged young people to take advantage of government programs that support employment, enterprise development, and access to finance, including the NYOTA Program and Hustler Fund.
The government further called on parents, teachers, guardians, religious leaders and community leaders to help steer young people away from criminal groups.
Members of the public were urged to report suspected criminal activity through credible channels, including the Fichua kwa DCI initiative on the toll-free number 0800 722 203 and police emergency lines.
The Interior Ministry said security agencies would continue acting against criminal activities to protect lives, property and communities as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.
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