Journal of Global Peace and Conflict

Challenges And Opportunities Of The Criminal Justice System In Address Youth Radicalization In Mombasa And Kwale Counties, Kenya.
Juma, C. S., Professor Okoth, P. G; Professor Matanga, F.K.

Abstract
Violent extremist ideologies has become a global threat. Kenya has attempted to minimize youth radicalization following a number of terror attacks but it has yielded no fruits. Despite many youths having been arrested, prosecuted or even eliminated, youth radicalization seems to be on the rise which points to the fact that the very criminal justice system contributes to youth radicalization. Anchored on the social identity theory, the criminal justice theory and the psychoanalysis theory, the study evaluated the challenges and opportunities of the Criminal Justice system in relation to youth radicalization in the two Counties. A descriptive survey design was adopted. The target population was 320. Stratified simple random sampling was used to select respondents. A sample size of 96 was derived representing 30% of the target population. Both primary and secondary data were used. Validity and reliability of data was tested using Cronbach‟s alpha. Data was analyzed and presented using descriptive statistics; percentages, frequencies, means and standard deviations.The study found that radicalized youths cause a big challenge to the criminal justice system. The courts systems are ill-prepared to handle radicalization cases and, in most cases, justice is not served as required. The study recommends that the statutory provisions in place should be utilized to arrest and prosecute the suspects with a well-trained judiciary staff on matters of radicalization. The prisons to be used to reform the radicalized youth through de-radicalization.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jgpc.v9n1a1