Kenyans reported fewer crimes to the police in 2024, marking a significant shift towards better public safety and more effective crime prevention measures. According to the Economic Survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the overall number of offenses recorded by police decreased by 3.5% to 101,200 cases. This decline is a welcome development in the country's efforts to combat crime and ensure the safety of its citizens.

The survey also highlighted a remarkable 10.8% decrease in child protection cases, which fell to 169,300. This decline is attributed to increased public awareness, community initiatives, and stronger family support networks throughout the country. The Department of Children Services reported a significant reduction in child protection cases, indicating a positive trend in the protection of vulnerable members of society.

Law enforcement agencies have also made notable progress in their efforts to combat crime. The police recovered 4,548 rounds of ammunition and seized 26.9 tonnes of dangerous drugs during the review period. Furthermore, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission traced assets worth KSh 16.0 billion, with KSh 2.9 billion recovered during the review period. These efforts demonstrate the government's commitment to tackling corruption and organized crime.

The survey also shed light on the behavior of the country's prison system. The police apprehended 534 youngsters and 1,069 foreign nationals in the year under review. Additionally, the number of offenders receiving probation terms fell by 27.4% to 5,912, indicating a shift towards non-custodial punishment or a change in criminal trends and case results.

A closer look at the survey reveals that personnel ratios in the justice system have varied results. The police-to-civilian ratio fell from 1:479 to 1:512, indicating an increased burden for police officers. In contrast, the jail officer-to-inmate ratio improved from 1:8 to 1:7, while the probation officer-to-offender ratio increased from 1:12 to 1:10. These changes may have implications for the rehabilitation and management of criminals, particularly those serving non-custodial sentences.

The survey also provided insights into the country's refugee and asylum seeker population. The State Department for Refugee Services had registered 823.9 thousand refugees and asylum seekers, of whom 50.5% were from Dadaab Camp. Additionally, 602.1 thousand people with disabilities (PWDs) were registered with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) as of June 2024.

The decline in crime and child abuse cases in Kenya is a positive development that highlights the country's progress in law enforcement, child protection, and the judiciary. As the country continues to grapple with the challenges of crime and corruption, this survey provides a glimmer of hope for a safer and more just society.