PUBLIC PERCEPTION ON STATE PREPAREDNESS TO PREVENT AND RESPOND TO TERROR ATTACKS IN KENYA; A CASE STUDY OF THE NATIONAL POLICE SERVICE IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA.

Abstract

Terrorism has become a major disaster that is unpredictable and devastative in nature. It has become a common occurrence in Kenya during the past decade. This study examined perceptions of Kenyans on the preparedness of the National Police Service (NPS) to prevent and respond to the terror attacks in Nairobi. The NPS is regarded as a vital security institution charged with the responsibility of preventing terror attacks and safe guarding lives. The broad objective of the study was to examine the public perceptions of Kenyans on the preparedness of the NPS to prevent and respond to terror attacks in Nairobi County of Kenya. The study used purposive research sampling. The study collected quantitative and qualitative data through a structured questionnaire and key informant interviews to gauge public perception on terrorism prevention and response. The study respondents were Kenyans living in Nairobi County for at least 6 months, purposively sampled from churches, shopping malls, open markets and hotels. The study found that there was low motivation among the National police service personnel, a factor that negatively affected service delivery by the police service. Majority of respondents indicated that the National Police Service preparedness to effectively respond to terror attacks needs improvement. Police service effectiveness in the area of prevention and response to terror attacks was below expectations of most respondents given the frequency of terror attacks, recorded during the period under review. Collectively the resources were considered inadequate and increased budgetary allocations are suggested to strengthen NPS capacity in terrorism control. Services of the police could improve with enhanced equipment supply, motivation of officers, modernized training techniques and cooperation among NPS units. Unethical practices associated with the NPS that have affected the fight against terror attacks included skewed treatment of police units. Major challenges within the NPS that affect response to terror attacks have been identified. They include lack of adequate police vehicles to carry out faster response. Police numbers were way below standard recommendations by UN while corruption at the national police service was endemic. From the findings the public perception was that NPS should Endeavour to eradicate unethical practices including bribery, corruption and favoritism. The public sentiments were that anti-terrorist agencies need to enhance community participation of citizens as a community policing strategy. The public anticipates that the state should consider building forensic science laboratories at county levels to facilitate timely, effective and efficient processing of evidence. This is in line with robust police reforms of equipping the NPS and other security institutions with efficient facilities of carrying out anti¬^terrorism tasks. This will boost police capacity to satisfactorily carry out its primary mandate of protecting the country against terror attacks and general crimes.