Report shows 44 per cent jump in Kenya’s kidnapping cases amid growing security concerns

Kenya has seen a worrying 44 per cent increase in kidnappings and abductions between September 2023 and August 2024, according to a recent State of National Security report presented in Parliament.

The report, delivered by President William Ruto during his State of the Nation address, reveals that the country recorded a total of 52 kidnappings during the period, compared to 36 in the previous year.

The surge in such crimes has been felt across the country, with incidents reported in all eight regions of Nairobi, Rift Valley, Coast, Eastern, Western, Nyanza, Central, and North Eastern.

Among these, the Coast region has seen the sharpest rise. Kidnapping cases in the region skyrocketed from just two in August 2023 to 14 by August 2024.

Nyanza region followed closely with cases jumping from one in 2023 to seven in 2024.

The Central region also saw a significant increase, with cases doubling from four in 2023 to eight in 2024. Nairobi reported five cases, while Rift Valley remained stable, recording 10 cases both in 2023 and 2024.

In contrast, the Eastern region saw a decrease, with kidnappings dropping from 10 in 2023 to six the following year.

Growing security threat

The report highlights that kidnappings and abductions have become a growing security threat, with men, women, children, and foreign nationals being victims.

The criminals behind these acts are often motivated by ransom demands, and in some cases, they are linked to human trafficking.

"The criminals are often motivated by ransom demands and sometimes engage in human trafficking," the report states.

In response, the government has begun developing measures to tackle kidnapping. These include equipping security agencies with modern technology, fast-tracking investigations, and working on new legislation to address the issue.

Additionally, the government is looking to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons Against Enforced Disappearance.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has also raised alarms, reporting at least 82 abduction cases in 2024 alone, with only 29 of them resolved.

Activists recently held protests across the country, demanding action and condemning the government's handling of these cases, which they argue disproportionately target critics of the administration.

Gen Z protests

Further complicating the security landscape, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority reported that 19 people were abducted during the June 2024 anti-government protests, which took place in 23 districts.

These abductions have added to concerns over the government's commitment to addressing human rights violations.

The report also paints a broader picture of rising social unrest. A total of 103,536 general crimes were reported between September 2023 and August 2024, an increase of 2,885 from the previous year.

The Gen Z protests, organised largely through online platforms, were one of the most notable causes of social unrest. Initially peaceful, the protests turned violent when criminal elements infiltrated the crowds, leading to loss of life and property.

The unrest disrupted economic activities and regional trade and contributed to a decline in investor confidence.

"The most notable issue of concern during the period under review was the social unrest caused by the Generation Z protests, which brought to the fore some of the socio-economic as well as political issues that needed urgent attention," the report says.

President Ruto addressed the rising tension, saying the government is paying close attention to the grievances voiced by the young people and is taking necessary steps to address the underlying issues.