Browsing by Author "Sirera, Anne"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The efficacy of forensic techniques in providing admissible evidence in homicide investigations in Kisumu County; Kenya
    (Reviewed Journals International (RJI), 2024-10) Asanta, Brigid B.; Sirera, Anne
    This study assessed the efficacy of forensic procedures in delivering acceptable evidence in homicide investigations in Kisumu County, Kenya. The study was anchored on Locard's Principle theory and The Actor Network Theory. The objectives of this study were: to assess the effectiveness of DNA sampling procedures in providing admissible evidence in homicide investigations within Kisumu County; to examine the use of toxicology in providing admissible evidence in homicide investigations within Kisumu County; to establish the efficacy of Fingerprinting in providing admissible evidence in homicide investigations within Kisumu County; and to investigate the forensic challenges. The study was carried out using an ex-post facto research design. The targeted population was the DCI officers and court prosecutors working in Kisumu County. The study used a census method to choose all 110 DCI officers in Kisumu County to participate. Prosecutors in Kisumu County, Kenya, were chosen via purposive selection. Questionnaires were the main method of data collection. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics specifically linear regression aided by Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. To describe the research findings, descriptive statistics in the form of measures of central tendency (frequency, mean, median, mode, and percentages) and measures of dispersion (range and standard deviations) was employed. The efficacy of forensic techniques on evidence admissibility was examined using inferential statistics, specifically Linear regression at 5% significance levels. Regression analyses uncover strong positive relationships between key variables, mainly, DNA Sampling Procedures, Use of Toxicology, Fingerprinting Efficacy, on Admissible Evidence forensic investigations. Multiple linear regression analysis predicts that these factors collectively account for 61.3 % a significant portion of the variability in Evidence Quality affirming their strength in providing admissible evidence for homicide cases. Specifically, DNA Sampling Procedures (B = 0.304), the Use of Toxicology (B = 0.299), and Fingerprinting Efficacy (B = 0.354) all demonstrate positive coefficients, indicating that mprovements in these aspects lead to higher quality admissible evidence. On the other hand, Forensic Challenges (B = 0.374) carries a positive coefficient, suggesting that an increase in challenges faced during forensic practices corresponds to a decrease in the quality of admissible evidence. Equally, Forensic Challenges are shown to limiting in obtaining admissible evidence significantly. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the DCI Kisumu County work with the DCI headquarters and the NPS and the national government to address the challenges to ensure the DCI investigators using forensic service obtain admissible evidence for homicide cases.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The Influence of Training Reforms on the Performance of Law Enforcement Officers in the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Kenya
    (AJER Publishing Inc., 2025-04) Ong'ale, Margaret Awino; Mwangi, Judy; Sirera, Anne
    Police and policing are critical components of any society's criminal justice system. The police maintain law and order, crime prevention and investigations besides ensuring public safety, protection of the basic rights and freedoms of citizens including the right to life. Their duty demands high degrees of competence, proper kitting and support of the government. This study investigated the influence of training reforms on performance of law enforcement in Kenya by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Kenya Police Service. The study was guided by Peelian Principles theory and Legitimacy theory. Mixed-method approach involving descriptive survey with an ethnographic method was used whereby quantitative data was collected using structured questionnaires and the qualitative data obtained using open-ended interview guides and focus group discussions from the members of the civil society. A sample of 384 participants comprising of 230 DCI officers and 154 stakeholders drawn from the civil society and community elders was selected using multistage sampling technique. The data was analyzed using SPSS software version 26.0 using descriptive statistics (frequency distributions, means and standard deviations) and inferential statistics (correlation and regression analysis). The study found that there is a significant moderate positive linear relationship (r=.428, p<0.05) between the training reforms and the performance of the DCI officers. The model predicts 49.4% influence of training reforms on the performance of the DCI (β= .429; Std. Error =.83332; t=6.415; p=0.000). For every unit increase in training reforms is .429 increase on the performance of the DCI officers. This study concluded that training of DCI officers equips them with requisite skills to improve their professionalism in execution of their mandates. The study also concluded that there is need for more and continuous trainings to enable officer tackle the ever-evolving world of crime and improve competencies to adapt to the emerging challenges.