An empirical assessment of the quality of service provided by the Kenya police force in Nairobi

Abstract

Internationally, crime and violence are increasingly becoming recognized as a development problem, particularly in urban areas. The incidence of crime, rape, robbery and gang violence, as well as gender-based domestic violence, undermines both macro- and micro-economic growth and productivity of a country's development, as well as societal and individual well-being. Urban crime and violence are not a spontaneous occurrence, but, the product of a society characterized by inequality and social exclusion. Measures that protect the citizens from deprivation, unemployment, homelessness, illiteracy and social disintegration will ultimately also protect them from crime. Crime and violence erodes social capital when it reduces trust and co-operation within formal and informal social organisations. The capacity for community level organizations to function depends on levels of cohesion and the ability to meet locally; this hinges on personal safety issues. The response, particularly for women, is frequently to avoid certain places after dark. Nairobi, a city almost 3 million inhabitants, is experiencing high crime rates. The causes of crime are often linked to institutional weaknesses of society. Crime increases where the social control that operates through formal institutions and informal institutions, are broken or weakened. In this study the role, perception and institutional factors of the Kenyan Police that contribute to their performance was carried out because of the important role the Kenya Police has in maintaining law and order and also creating an enabling environment for economic growth. The study was carried out over a period of three months. It was established that there is need to create awareness on the rule of law" the police would require regular training and good housing, The police stand orders also need to be reviewed. The study found that further studies need to be down to narrow the gap between the general public and the police officers. The training used and recruitment criteria also is an area that needs to be studied,