Resources and Performance in Border Security: A Study of Border Police Unit in the National Police Service, Kenya.
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Date
2022
Authors
Kuria, Mwangi Zacharia
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
The concept of border security has existed since beginning of human civilization aimed at safeguarding community from external threats, and has remained dynamic as societal needs change. Border Police Unit is one of the components within Administration Police Service of National Police Service explicitly tasked to discharge the function by neutralizing cross-border security threats. Resources are important in facilitating performance of the police officers in security management along the border. Despite this understanding few studies examine the influence of resources in performance of the border police officers in discharging their functions. Using Resource Dependence and Securitization Theories, the study explored relationship between resources and performance. The research was guided by four objectives; to examine effects of resource allocation on security operations; to identify the types of resources required in the Border Police Unit of the National Police Service; to investigate resource challenges faced by personnel and to determine coping mechanisms by police officers in Border Police Unit. Descriptive survey research design using mixed method approach in data collection was employed. The target population was 3000 drawn from the police officers who serve at the Border Police Unit. Proportionate stratified random sampling was used to select a sample size of 300 participants to take part in the study. Semi-structured questionnaires containing open and close-ended questions and interviews and Focused Group guides were used for data collection. Quantitative data analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented using charts, graphs, pie charts and tables. A thematic technique was used and Qualitative data was presented in narratives and analyzed thematically the findings show that overall, Resources determine performance and hence efficacy operations at 53%; Financial resource is the most important to bankroll security operations at the border at 98%; Patrols are the most common security undertaking at 98%. From the qualitative data Resource constraints impacted negatively on performance of the officers and was the leading cause of occupational stress among the police officers manning border points. To cope with stress, police officers adopted diverse coping mechanisms that were both adaptive and maladaptive. Grounded on these findings the study recommends that strategic leadership of Administration Police Service and Border Police Unit to upscale acquisition, allocation and utilization of resources to enhance performance, increase budgetary allocation informed by needs on the ground and involve officers on the ground as end users during procurement to capture their concerns that would consequently inform specifications. Mitigation against resource constraints be enhanced and police officers empowered to adopt healthy coping mechanisms to overcome resource constraints, endure work environment and perform optimally.
Description
A Research Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts in Leadership and Security Management in the School of Security, Diplomacy and Peace Studies of Kenyatta University
Keywords
Resources, Performance, Border Security, Border Police Unit, National Police Service, Kenya.