African Research Journal of Education and Social Sciences, 5(1), 2018 ISSN (online): 2312-0134 | Website: www.arjess.org Influence of Physical Environment on Crime in Informal Settlements of Kibra in Nairobi County, Kenya By James K. Shikuku, Micah Makworo and Mugwima B. Njuguna Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P.O Box 62000 – 00200, NAIROBI - KENYA. Corresponding Author Email: skjames45@gmail.com Abstract: The impact of crime in the informal settlements in cities is enormous and extends beyond civilian causalities to the destruction of infrastructure and buildings. The fear of crime and violence continues to be pervasive in cities and is one of the top concerns in citizens’ everyday lives. The main purpose of the study was to examine the influence of physical environment on crime in informal settlements of Kibra in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study adopted a cross sectional survey research design. The study population comprised of 118,276 residents of Kibra constituency. The study used a sample of 225 subjects. Both stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to choose the individuals that took part in the study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data needed in the study. Content validity by research experts was used to validate the tool of data collection. The reliability of the questionnaire was determined using Cronbach’s alpha whose score was 0.77. Data was coded in the computer and analysed by the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. Data was then presented into simple percentages and summarized using tables. The study concluded that planning solutions such as putting more eyes on the street, neighborhood cohesion through segregated planning approach and appropriate lighting can be effective tools to passive surveillance. The study recommends that planners should play a key role in improving the livelihood of people in informal settlements. Further, crime prevention through environmental planning should be implemented since it is not only an effective strategy to prevent crime but also cost effective and fits in the informal settlement. This study was found to be of importance in the on the field of urban studies particularly on crime in informal settlements. Keywords: Crime, criminal activities, informal settlements, physical environment, slum, surveillance Introduction Over the past two decades, urban population growth and the effects of globalization have enhanced the complexities and manifestation of crime and violence in cities (UN-HABITAT,