Factors that affect effective implementation of community policing in kenya: a case o fkajiado north Police division
Abstract
This study sought to identify the factors that affect effective implementation of community
policing in Kajiado North Police Division. The success of community policing depends on
effective implementation hence the factors that affect effective implementation of community
policingand the kind of impact it has on police work, communities and crime rates are important.
The study was carried out in Kajiado North Police Division in Kajiado County. A sample of 51
residents (17 x 3 = 51) was drawn through simple random sampling from the 3 police station
areas. This was 10% based on proportion of the population. There were 3 different Focus Group
Discussions (FGDs) one for senior police officers above the rank of Inspector, the other for junior
police officers and another for members of the local community policing committees. Each of the
FGDs consisted of 5 members who were selected purposively. In addition, there were six key
informants also selected purposively (2 each) from the provincial administration, civil societies
and the religious sector. The study used questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions and
Observation checkliststocollect data. The quantitativedata wasprocessed and analysed usingthe
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) while the collected qualitative data was analyzed
through content analysis. The study found that levels of adoption of community policing as a
style of policing had a positive impact on crime rates. Police partnered in sharing information,
investigating crimes, arresting and prosecuting criminals, gathering intelligence and acting on it,
partnering with the society and making patrols which address and deter criminals from
committing crimes. The level of deployment of police officers in Kajiado North Police Division
was found to be generally adequate. Key factors that obstruct effective implementation of
community policing in Kajiado North Police Division were found to include low levels of basic
mutual trust, lack of an enablinglegislative and administrative environment, poor public image of
police and declining police resources. The study recommends that the government strengthen the
adoption of community policing as a style of policing through budgetary allocations, ensure an
enabling legislative and administrative environment, increase police resources and foster
sensitization on community policing. Further studies are recommended in other police divisions,
countiesand forthe entire country.
Publisher
University of Nairobi