Institutional Reforms and Performance of National Security: a Case Study of National Police Service in Kenya Between 2008 and 2015

Abstract

Security institutional reforms have a direct influence on national security. This study therefore, investigated the impact NPS institutional reforms have on service delivery and professionalism, the role of oversight institutions in regulating Police operations and identified the challenges impeding successful NPS reforms. The study was premised on four objectives: establishing the link between institutional reforms and NPS service delivery in Kenya; examining the impact of institutional security reforms on NPS professionalism; investigating the role of oversight institutions in promoting Police-public cohesion and regulating Police operations; and identifying impediments to institutional reforms in NPS. The research was guided by institutional theory in data collection, analysis and data interpretation. Thus a mixed methodology entailing both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods were utilized. Using a survey method, the study administered questionnaires to Police officers and members of public from both Makueni and Nairobi Counties. IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21 program was used to analyse quantitative data after coding data collected through the questionnaires. The study established that NPS reforms had generally improved service delivery and professionalism of Police officers. However, reforms have not altered Police welfare and salaries, and addressed biasness in promotions. In addition, the study revealed that oversight institutions had failed in their mandate resulting into flawed Police operations. Lastly, the research identified challenges impeding NPS reforms‟ success in Kenya. The study thus concluded that nonaddress of Police salaries, housing and allowances had impacted on officers‟ morale and professionalism. Subsequently, NPS officers‟ relation with members of the public had been compromised and affected Police operations. The study thus was used to gauge progress of NPS reforms by identifying both the successful and neglected areas for address. Consequently, the study made both practical and theoretical recommendations. Practically, the study recommended SRC‟s fasttracking of Police salaries, housing and allowances; legislation formulation to avail funds for equipping of NPS; curriculum development to address work ethics, attitude and professionalism; revision of the NPS promotional criteria to advance career progression of officers; and adherence to independence of oversight institutions. Theoretically, the study recommends further research in far flung Counties to gauge the impact of the NPS reforms in Kenya.