| dc.description.abstract | The study focused on the problem of occupational stress among Kenyan police officers. Using the
case of six police stations from Nairobi area, respondents were interviewed to answer the overall
research questions on the individual, operational and organizational factors that lead to occupational
stress among police officers in Nairobi. The study was bolted on one general objective which aimed
at exploring the problem of occupational stress among police in Kenya. More specifically, the study
attempted to establish the extent of occupational stress among Kenyan police, find out how the
problem of occupational stress affects performance of the police in Kenya and identify viable
measures that can help the Kenyan Police cope with the problem of occupational stress. This study
is guided by two theories namely: psychoanalytic and rational emotive behavioural theory.
The study adopted simple random and stratified sampling techniques to draw a sample of 90
respondents. Quantitative and qualitative data were obtained from the respondents using semistructured
study questionnaires and unstructured key informant interview guides. Percentage,
frequencies and measures of central tendency were used to analyze quantitative while qualitative
data were processed using content and interpretive analysis. The generated data were used to answer
the study's three questions which established the extent of the problem of occupational stress
among Kenyan police, its effects on pol ice performance and viable strategic measures that can be
used to help officers cope with the problem.
The survey findings confirmed that Kenyan police are stressed and highlighted the existence,
symptoms and causes of occupational stress among officers. Both operational and organizational
sources of stress were prevalent. Further, the findings revealed that perception of presence or
absence of occupational stress among the police is dependent on the age, length of service, rank and
category of the officer. Both male and female police officers highly perceived prevalence of
occupational stressors. The study also established that low morale/motivation led to lowered job
satisfaction and hence reduced productivity. Both negative and positive coping strategies were
identified and the viable ones were commended. Based on the study's findings, several
recommendations were made. There is need to improve the living and working conditions
especially housing, transport and supplies, increase personnel numbers, offer training in stress and
anger management as well as basic counselling skills and professional ethics. Areas for further
research include: establishing how the Kenyan justice system affects police performance, role of
Psychological counselling in policing and a national assessment of occupational stress in the police. | en |
