The role of police in multi-dimensional peace-keeping operations in UNMISS: Case of Kenya Police in South Sudan, 2005-2015

Abstract

This project paper sought to assess the involvement of Police in Multi-dimensional Peace Keeping Operations, using the case of Kenya Police contingent within United Nations Police (UNPOL). The main objective was to examine the roles, challenges and achievements of Kenya Police component in the UN Peace Keeping Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). The study set out to examine three objectives: first was the role of Kenya Police in UNMISS Peace Operation; second was the challenges that the police faced in delivery of their duties in South Sudan; and third, to assess the achievements/contributions made by Kenya police in the UNMISS Peace keeping effort. The research used Structural Conflict and Institutional theories attributed to Marx Weber and applied by David Klei and Michael White. The theories are complimentary and argue, in the case of the former that conflict in society lies within the way the society is structured. Structural inefficiencies such as marginalization, inequality and exclusion are triggers for conflict. Institutional theory advocates for existence of strong institutions that would ensure conformance to rules through coercion, normative and mimetic mechanisms. Data collection for this study began with the review of secondary documents retrieved from Jomo Kenyatta Memorial Library at the University of Nairobi and Kenya National Library on Ngong Road Nairobi. This was followed by review of reports and periodicals and later, interviews with twenty six respondents. The sample was selected purposively owing to the researcher’s knowledge of lead respondents. In addition, two focus group discussions were held in Parklands Sports Club, Nairobi. The study found out that Kenya has in many occasion contributed police for service in UN peace keeping missions around the globe. The Police in South Sudan work under UNPOL and have played a number of roles including protection of civilians in IDP camps, observing implementation of Ceasefire and termination of Hostilities Agreements and ensuring safe transportation and supply of relief aid to victims. The Kenya police have faced several challenges among them shortage of personnel knowledgeable about South Sudan and attacks by both rebel and government forces on camps. The police have been awarded medals for good work an indication of positive contribution to the UN Peace effort in South Sudan.