Browsing by Author "Muema, Jennifer Mwethya"

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    Effects of Work Environment, Job Stress, Remuneration and Work Life Balance on Desertions among Junior Officers in Disciplined Forces: The Case of Kenya Prisons Service
    (Kenyatta University, 2025-12) Muema, Jennifer Mwethya
    The main research objective was to ascertain the determinants of desertions among junior officers in disciplined forces; the case of Kenya Prisons Service. To determine the effect of work environment, job stress and remuneration on desertions among junior officers in Kenya Prisons Service. This research was underpinned on the reinforcement theory and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory. A mixed research design was adopted. A total of 1062 respondents were surveyed. The research sample was chosen utilizing simple random sampling. The study sample was 400 participants. Questionnaires were employed to collect data. Utilizing SPSS version 23.0, the collected data was cleaned and coded. Descriptive statistics was employed to assess the quantitative data. Tables, graphs, bar and pie charts were employed to present the data. The association between the study variables was established using multiple regression analysis. Work environment had a negative and significant influence on desertions among junior officers in Kenya Prison Service. Job stress had a significant and positive influence on desertions among junior officers in disciplined forces. Remuneration had a significant and negative influence on desertions among junior officers in disciplined forces. Work life balance had a significant and negative influence on desertions among junior officers in disciplined forces. The study recommended that the prison service ought to invest in better infrastructure, including modern offices, training facilities, and appropriate equipment to improve day-to-day operations. There is need to establish mental health support services, including access to counselors and psychologists, to help officers manage stress effectively. Also, organize workshops focused on stress management techniques, resilience building, and coping strategies tailored for law enforcement. The study recommends that the prison service should regularly assess and compare the salaries of junior officers with those in similar roles within other law enforcement agencies and sectors to ensure competitiveness. The findings informed retention strategies in Kenya Prison Services.