Juvenile crime falls 48 percent amid tougher laws, cases fall to 795
Minister of Justice Counselor Nasser Al-Sumait announced Saturday that juvenile crimes in Kuwait fell by 48 percent during the first half of 2026, compared with the same period last year. According to Ministry of Justice statistics, the number of juvenile crimes dropped from 1,523 cases in the first half of 2025 to 795 cases during the same period of 2026.
Speaking to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Al-Sumait said juvenile crime had continued to decline for the second consecutive year, recording a 52 percent decrease compared with the first half of 2024, when 1,665 cases were registered. The decline was recorded across several of the most prominent cases handled by the Juvenile Prosecution.
Traffic cases decline 63 per cent
Traffic-related juvenile cases recorded the sharpest decline, falling by 63 percent, from 1,048 cases in the first half of 2025 to 383 cases in the first half of 2026. Assault cases also decreased, recording a 32 percent decline during the same period. Al-Sumait attributed the decline in part to a legislative drive pursued by the government to strengthen deterrence and prevention in crimes involving juveniles.
He said a package of legislative amendments had targeted some of the most dangerous behaviors and offenses with the greatest impact on individual and public safety. The reforms included the introduction of the new traffic law, tougher penalties for serious traffic violations, increased penalties for manslaughter and accidental injuries, and a new law combating narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
The legislative changes also criminalized the possession or carrying of bladed weapons without legitimate justification in public places, while increasing penalties when such weapons are used to assault or terrorize others.
Legislative and social factors
The Minister of Justice said legislation is one of several important factors that must be considered when assessing the decline in juvenile crime, alongside preventive and social factors. He praised the efforts of the Ministry of Interior in preventing and combating juvenile crime, as well as the Ministry of Social Affairs for its role in caring for and rehabilitating juveniles.
Al-Sumait also commended the Supreme Council for Family Affairs and the Ministry of Health for their efforts to protect children from violence and abuse and provide them with care and support. He stressed the importance of continued coordination among the authorities concerned with juvenile affairs to strengthen prevention and awareness programs and develop protection, care and rehabilitation initiatives.
“Protecting children and preserving their rights is a shared responsibility,” Al-Sumait emphasized. The Ministry of Justice, in cooperation with the Public Prosecution, will continue monitoring statistical indicators, analyzing the causes of juvenile delinquency and assessing the impact of legislative developments aimed at reducing juvenile crime.
Al-Sumait said these efforts are intended to protect young people, preserve family stability and safeguard the security and stability of Kuwaiti society.
