Effectiveness of Working Conditions on Performance of Kenya Police Officers in Marsabit County, Kenya

Abstract

Despite government reform endeavours in the security sector, performance has remained below expectation, with criminal activities increasing every day. Factors pulling to this dismal performance are yet to be adequately probed. The problem negatively impacts the performance of the security officers who play a crucial role in insecurity issues. For without security, economic development is a futile dream. To this end, the study sought to examine the working conditions and performance among police officers in Marsabit County, Kenya. The main focus was on the National Police Service. The respondents were drawn from the Kenya police officers deployed in the region since they are responsible for maintaining law and order. Data were collected from a total of 13 police stations. For the study, 306 target population was considered. 91 (30% of the target population) police officers were randomly chosen using a simple random method. The study examined promotion procedure, duty assignment, and deployment in place of the independent variables' vis-a-vis performance in place of the dependent variable. The collection of preliminary data entailed self-administered questionnaires to the target population. The forms encompassed organized and semi-structured questions implementing the Likert scale set-up. The questionnaires were authenticated concerning their contents and particulars by carrying out a pilot study with 30 (10% of the target population) police officers from Marsabit Central Police Station. The specialist applied the test re-test technique to choose the reliability of the examination study. To establish a relationship among variables, a Pearson’s correlation analysis was performed on the dependent and the independent variables at a 95% confidence interval. Data was poised by distributing survey forms to the appraised population to amass factual data on the connection flanked by performance among police officers and working conditions. The data poised was qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. The study subject and explicit aims guided it. Scrutiny of quantifiable information was completed employing descriptive and inferential data, tabularization, pie charts, graphs, rate of recurrence, and proportionate percentages. Where data was obtained from open-ended questions, qualitative data was analyzed and offered in themes. The study’s sensitivity demanded the necessity to keep anonymous the identity of the participants. It meant that the survey forms did not have the names or particulars of the participants. All modes of engagement and associations met throughout the study were steered professionally and morally. The highest respect for moral and honourable behaviors and standards was maintained. The most imperative facet of this concerned informed consensus. All data collected for assessment and publication was illuminated to the subject. It encompassed a complete explanation of how and for what resolve it was being used. Permission letters were obtained. Composed data was securely kept by electronic means.. Study findings were thoroughly discussed and presented in graphs, pie charts, tables, and figures. A conclusion arrived that the subject under study was viable. Working conditions directly affected the performance of police officers in the study. Conclusions Recommendations and Suggestion for further research were given.