Juvenile crime in Kuwait falls 48% in first half of 2026

Juvenile crime in Kuwait fell by nearly half in the first six months of 2026, according to Justice Minister Counselor Nasser Al-Sumaid. Authorities recorded 795 cases, compared with 1,523 during the same period last year.

The decline continues a two-year improvement. Juvenile cases have fallen 52% from the first half of 2024, when authorities recorded 1,665 incidents. Traffic-related offenses showed the sharpest drop, declining 63% from 1,048 cases to 383. Assault cases fell by 32%.

Al-Sumaid linked the trend to a combination of legislative, preventive and social measures. He cited the new traffic law and tougher penalties for serious traffic violations, murder and manslaughter. Reforms also strengthened legislation targeting drugs and psychotropic substances, as well as the possession or carrying of white weapons without legitimate justification in public places.

The law imposes harsher penalties when such weapons are used to assault or intimidate others. Al-Sumaid said legislation helps explain the decline, while prevention and wider social efforts also play a role. He praised the Interior Ministry for prevention and enforcement, the Ministry of Social Affairs for caring for and rehabilitating juveniles, and the Supreme Council for Family Affairs and Ministry of Health for protecting children from violence and abuse and providing support.