An Investigation Of Factors Influencing Police Officers’ Perception Of Police Reforms: A Case Of Kenya Police Service, Nairobi Area.

Abstract

The study investigated factors influencing police officers perception of police reforms in the Kenya Police Service. The document houses various perspectives of police reforms in Kenya as far as serving police officers are concerned. The overall purpose of the research was to assess the gaps between expectations and experiences in order to inform a new system. An overview of the study was provided, setting out what the research area was. Five objectives of the study were then developed and related to the background of the organization that was studied in depth from the global policing perspective focusing on American and British policing to African perspective and Kenyan policing situation. The following variables were considered; recruitment, training, staffing, legal structure and terms of service. Relevant literature to the research objectives was systematically reviewed; a theoretical foundation upon which the research is based was build, change management models formed the theoretical foundation of this research. Chapter three focused on the research methodology setting out a descriptive study in terms of design. Probability and non probability sampling procedures were applied to come up with a representative sample size. Twelve police stations within the area of study were purposively identified and questionnaires administered to randomly selected officers in respective stratum. Descriptive statistics was used in the analysis aided by statistical package for social scientist (SPSS).The available data was then presented in terms of tables and interpretation of the data followed. Description of the interplay between the independent and dependent variables was carefully explained in chapter five leading to drawing of conclusions and recommendations. Training had the highest effect on perception of police reforms in Kenya, seconded by staffing, followed by recruitment, then Terms of service and legal structure having the lowest effect on the perception of police reforms in Kenya. In conclusion a significant relationship exists between recruitment, training, staffing, legal structure, Terms of service and the perception of police officers on police reforms in Kenya. The study recommended that a policy to guide human resource management, training and terms and conditions of service be developed while the existing legislations be strengthened through amendments.