Fear of Crime Among Campus Students: An Analysis of Residential Settings and Demographic Predictors in Kenya

This study examined the prevalence and determinants of emotional fear of crime among students at the Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology. Guided by the Vulnerability Theory/ Fear of Crime Theory, the research explored the influence of residential settings and selected demographic factors (gender, age, academic standing, and marital status) on students’ fear of six crimes: burglary, robbery, malicious property damage, theft, rape, and assault. A quantitative survey design was employed, with 147 respondents drawn from a population 200 using Yamane’s formula at a 0.05 margin of error. Findings revealed high levels of emotional fear, with property theft, robbery, and burglary being the most feared crimes. Fear levels were significantly higher among female students, older students, third-year students, singles, and those residing off-campus. The study recommends targeted interventions, including improved street lighting, enhanced security infrastructure, community policing, and student support centres to mitigate fear and promote safer learning environments.