Administrative Capacity and Performance of Kenya Police Service Officers in Machakos County, Kenya
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Date
2023
Authors
Khaemba, Martin Wanyama
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
A rising body of evidence in Kenya, and Machakos County in particular reveals that the police officers' administrative capacity is under-researched and has a negative effect on their performance. The research was guided by the following research objectives; identify the effects of career progression on performance of Kenya police service officers in Machakos County, examine the effects of workload on performance of the officers and establish the effects of technological preparedness on performance of the officers. Research was conducted using Human Capital Management theory and a descriptive survey methodology. The total population that was targeted was 690 officers comprising of 678 police constables and 12 police station commanders in the County's twelve police stations. 203 police constables and 4 police station commanders were randomly sampled using a stratified random sampling technique. Interview schedule was used to collect data from Officers in charge of the police stations and data was gathered from the police constables through the distribution of questionnaires to them. For this study, quantitative and qualitative methodologies were used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics, such as frequency distributions and percentages, were necessary for analyzing numerical data while closed-ended replies or content analysis from questionnaires was done which revealed patterns, themes, and biases that were employed in the research. A table-based style made it easier to see the results. Simple regression technique was used to check the relationships between the two study variables, that is, administrative capacity (independent variable) and performance (dependent variable). Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used to do the analysis. The study adhered to Kenyatta University and National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation norms for research. The information provided remained private at all times. The data was collected in an anonymous fashion and data management was done by use of a computer and a password to save the data electronically to keep it safe from unauthorized access. The study established that there was a positive correlation between administrative capacity and performance of the police officers. The major findings of the study were that: career progression, workload and technological preparedness aspects affected performance of the officers. In view of the identified research findings, the researcher recommends that: The National Police Service Commission should develop a suitable policy on enhancing the administrative capacity and performance of the officers. Further, the Service should develop a suitable strategic plan aimed at capacity building of the police officers and enhancing their performance.
Description
Research Project Submitted to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences of Kenyatta University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration Degree, May 2023.
Keywords
Administrative Capacity, Kenya Police Service Officers, Machakos County, Kenya