“Administration police and peacebuilding in kenya: a case study of Molo sub county, Nakuru county; 1992-2012.”

Abstract

This research examines role of Administration Police in post-conflict peacebuilding as part of reconstruction efforts among rural communities with focus on Molo Sub County between 1992 and 2012. It investigates causes of protracted ethnic violence, peacebuilding initiatives undertaken, impact of the initiatives and challenges faced. The study is enlightened by two theories namely; Social Contract theory by Jean-Jacques Rousseau whose argument is that people‟s moral or political obligations depends on a contract among them to create their society. Communities in Molo have established a contract with the government, whose primary duty is providing public safety and security, by participating in elections to exercise their democratic rights. Elected leaders take oath of office to uphold and defend the constitution. Heterogeneous Nations World theory advanced by Johan Galtung posits that in a heterogeneous nation there is diversity among the people with regard to complexion, language, religion and physical features and generally varied socio-economic and political fortunes. Conflicts are more easily absorbed due to tolerance and coexistence compared to homogeneous societies. This Paper sheds light on history of modern policing to explore the function of Administration Police as state agents of security provision. It traces origin, evolution and development of the Agency, engagement in peacebuilding and identifies its locus standi in the society. The Paper adopted qualitative method of collecting data by analyzing relevant resources in libraries. Gaps identified were filled by obtaining primary data through oral interviews from respondents that were selected randomly. The study finds that in Molo Sub County, Community-Based Peace Initiatives that directly engage with targeted recipients were most successful and sustainable due to public participation and local ownership. Disposition of Administration Police officers on the ground place them strategically to engage with disputant communities in peacebuilding, despite officers working under difficult circumstances. This is reinforced by the legal and institutional framework that explicitly mandates them to do so.