| dc.description.abstract | Security sector reforms in post-conflict societies have gained prominence in the last ten years. This is because security sector plays a pivotal role in conflict. Where coercive agencies of the state are effective and accountable, they act as a critical deterrent to actors planning to resort to violent strategies. Where they are weak, unaccountable, criminalized and such they become a part of the problem since they cannot manage widespread lawlessness. In Kenya during the post-electoral violent conflict, the security agencies, specifically the police force failed in its duty to protect lives and property. The failure of the police force was an indictment that the policy initiatives aimed at police reforms since 2003 had failed.
In response to this failure which was documented by the Commission of Inquiry on Post-Election violence, a case was made for comprehensive police reforms. The reforms had two goals: To enhance the effectiveness of the police services in undertaking their mandate and to make sure that systems are put in place to hold them accountable. The study has focused on how the reforms have been instituted and whether they have led to an effective and accountable policing in Kenya. To do so, it traces the reform efforts since 2003 to 2010. Though post election happened in 2007-08, by going back to 2003 when commitment was expressed to reform the police, the study lays a solid foundation of understanding the reform processes, their objectives, success and challenges.
Data for the study have been collected using interviews and content analysis methodologies. Regarding Interviews, structured interview schedules were used and purposive sampling method was utilized in the selection of respondents. The primary data collected was augmented by content analysis. This involves collecting of data from secondary sources such as mass media, books on mediation process and internet sources. The methodologies have been appropriate for the study and have generated valuable and usable data. Data generated has been qualitatively analyzed and inferences made against the studies objectives and hypotheses.
The study has established that at policy level, many initiatives have been instituted but this has not translated to practical policing outputs especially before the post-electoral violent conflict. In the aftermath of violence some progress has been made in reforming the policing in Kenya. The progress includes development of comprehensive plans for reforms and constituitonalizing some of them. For instance the constitution has established a legal framework for an independent, effective and accountable policing. Also the government has expressed commitments towards reform. However, there exist a gap between stated goals and what has been achieved. Impunity has persisted, resources availed are inadequate and the political will to effect such changes weak. On the strength of the findings the study concludes that, the reform process is on track, but resources, commitment and systemic changes are needed. Otherwise reforms will remain at policy levels without generating practical outcomes. | en_US |
