Workforce Diversity and Its Influence in Career Development Decisions among National Police Service Officers in Laikipia County, Kenya
| dc.contributor.author | Musau, Martin Mati | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-03-03T08:56:04Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-03-03T08:56:04Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024-11 | |
| dc.description | A Research Project Submitted to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration of Kenyatta University, November 2024. Supervisor Weldon Kibet Ng’eno | |
| dc.description.abstract | The National Police Service (NPS) in Kenya plays a critical role in maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety, and upholding justice. Workforce diversity within the NPS, particularly in Laikipia County, has emerged as a key factor influencing career development decisions. Despite its recognized importance in fostering innovation, adaptability, and improved community relations, the effect of diversity on recruitment practices, professional growth, and career trajectories among officers in this region remains unclear. To address this gap, the study assessed the influence of gender, disability, age, and education on career development decisions among NPS officers in Laikipia County. It was guided by Social Career Cognitive Theory, Similarity/Attractive Theory, and Agency Theory. Using a descriptive survey method, the study targeted all 616 police officers across five sub-counties, including seven police stations and 67 posts. A sample size of 278 respondents was determined using Naissuma’s (2000) formula, with stratification across the sub-counties. Semi-structured questionnaires were employed to gather both qualitative and quantitative data, supplemented by a pilot study in Meru County to test the reliability and validity of research tools. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including means, standard deviations, and frequencies, were used for analysis. The findings revealed that gender diversity significantly influences career development, highlighting the importance of promoting female representation in the NPS. Inclusivity for officers with disabilities was also found to be critical in fostering career progression. Age diversity played a significant role, with younger officers demonstrating notable influence on career decisions. Furthermore, educational attainment significantly effected career development, underscoring the value of academic qualifications for job performance and advancement. The study recommends implementing targeted diversity and inclusion initiatives, revising recruitment and promotion policies to prioritize merit and inclusivity, and accommodating officers with disabilities to enhance career development within the NPS. | |
| dc.description.sponsorship | Kenyatta University | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/29685 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Kenyatta University | |
| dc.title | Workforce Diversity and Its Influence in Career Development Decisions among National Police Service Officers in Laikipia County, Kenya | |
| dc.type | Thesis |