Influence of Illicit Brews on Security in Rongai Sub-County, Nakuru County Kenya

Abstract

Illicit brew consumption is a social challenge in most parts of the world today. Although illicit brew consumption results in psychological, social, physical and health problems, available studies have mostly linked the consumption of illicit brew to criminality in western countries with little evidence from the developing countries especially Kenya. The study sought to investigate the influence of illicit brews on security in Rongai Sub-County, Nakuru County Kenya, an area that has experienced an exponential rise of crime cases. The study had three objectives; to establish public perceptions on the influence of illicit brews on crimes causation, establish the influence of illicit brews use on public violence, and to determine the factors that impinge security management measures against illicit brews on security and safety in Kampi ya Moto in Rongai Sub-County. The study utilized a mixed methods research design. The census and purposive sampling techniques were used to draw a sample of 99 community policing committee members and 15 key informants for interviews respectively. The data collection methods were questionnaire and key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyse quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used to generate data analysis tools. The study established that Illicit brew consumption is associated with stealing household wares, property, phones and other items to obtain money to buy the liquor. The study also revealed that the common type of public violence caused by illicit brew consumption is fights in the public due to metal impairment as a result of illicit brew consumption. Lastly, the study established that general lethargy and corruption are the main factors impinge security management measures against illicit brews in the study area. The study concludes that illicit brew consumption is associated with crime since it is behind the stealing incidents. The study also concludes that illicit brew consumption in the study area is associated with fights in the public space due to mental judgement impairment to the extent that they fail to understand themselves and are involved in activities that amount to public violence. Lastly, the study concludes that general lethargy and corruption are the factors that impinge security Management measures against illicit brews. The study recommends economic empowerment programs by the government and other stakeholders in development to minimise poverty that drives some households to engage in making and selling illicit brew. The government should come up with strict regulations for law enforcement officers involved in corruption and support of illicit brew making and sale to help reduce the cases of illicit brew in the study area.