Family Structure as Blueprints of Behavior and Juvenile Delinquency in Loitoktok Sub-County, Kajiado County, Kenya

Victoria Tumale, Mary Syokoli Mutisya & James Sankale
The Catholic University of Eastern Africa
Email: victoriatiteu2025@gmail.com

Abstract: Juvenile delinquency is a growing concern globally, with family environments playing a critical role in shaping youth behavior. This study explored how family structure influences juvenile delinquency in Loitoktok Sub-County, Kajiado County, Kenya. Guided by Social Learning Theory and Strain Theory, it examined the effects of parental neglect, family conflict, household structure, and substance abuse on delinquent behavior. A mixed-methods design was adopted, involving 160 participants: 150 juveniles in conflict with the law and 16 parents or guardians. Juveniles were selected through simple random sampling, while purposive and snowball techniques identified guardians. Data were collected through questionnaires and document reviews from children’s offices and probation records. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS v26, while qualitative insights were examined thematically with NVivo. Findings revealed high exposure to dysfunctional family environments, with 78.3% reporting parental neglect, 72.8% citing absence of one or both parents, and 65.1% attributing delinquency to unstable family structures. Family conflict (69.4%) and household substance abuse (74.6%) also emerged as strong predictors of deviant behavior. The study concludes that fragile family systems are significant drivers of youth crime and recommends family-centered interventions to strengthen relationships, enhance parenting, and promote child protection.