Kenyans with a strained relationship with the police

A new survey by the National Crime Research Centre (2025) reveals that the youth in Kenya have the most strained relationship with the police, accounting for 59% of the reported cases.

Boda boda operators follow at 26%, while the business community ranks third at 22%.

Other affected groups include men (14%), matatu operators (10%), and even victims of crime (8%).

Women and informers each represent 4% of the cases, while hawkers, refugees, immigrants, and street families each account for 2%.

Human rights groups and civil society organisations round out the list at 1%.

The data highlights deep-rooted mistrust between the police and certain sections of society.