LEVERAGING COMMUNITY-BASED DIGITAL LITERACY PROGRAMMES ON YOUTH CRIME MANAGEMENT IN KISII COUNTY, KENYA
Abstract
Purpose of Study: This study examined the effect of community-based digital literacy programmes on youth crime management in Kisii County, Kenya.
Problem Statement: Youth crime remains a persistent developmental and security concern in Kisii County. Conventional punitive approaches have inadequately addressed the socio-economic factors contributing to youth involvement in crime. Although digital literacy programmes are increasingly implemented as tools for youth empowerment, employability, and social integration, limited empirical evidence exists regarding their effectiveness in managing youth crime within Kisii County.
Methodology: The study adopted a mixed-methods research design. The target population comprised 420 youth participants and key programme stakeholders drawn from Marani, Kisii Main Stage, Keumbu, and Gusii Technical Institute. Using the Yamane formula, a sample of 205 youth participants was selected. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews and analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, simple linear regression, and thematic analysis.
Result: Access to digital literacy programmes positively influenced youth empowerment and crime-management outcomes (Mean=3.81, SD=.634). The programmes improved participants’ confidence (Mean=3.94) and employable skills (Mean=3.81). Digital literacy access had a statistically significant positive relationship with youth crime management (r=.487, p<.001) and explained 23.7% of the variance in crime-management outcomes (R²=.237, p<.001).
Conclusion: Community-based digital literacy programmes enhance youth crime management by improving employability, confidence, and digital citizenship.
Recommendation: Digital literacy programmes should strengthen practical income-generation and employment components to translate acquired skills into sustainable economic opportunities and reduce youth vulnerability to crime.
Keywords: Digital Literacy Programmes, Youth Crime Management, Community-Based Intervention, Youth Empowerment, Kisii County.
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