Nyumba Kumi Initiative and Maintenance of Public Order in Kitui County, Kenya
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Date
2025-09
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Security in Mutitu Sub-county has not been as desired due to different conflicts. Despite the adoption and implementation of community policing, and subsequently the ‘Nyumba kumi’ initiative to curb the vice at the grassroots level, insecurity is still taunting locals. This study aimed to establish the initiative’s put in place and their effect in maintaining public order by Nyumba Kumi Initiative. The research objectives were to evaluate the effect of conflict mitigation strategies, stakeholder participation, intelligence gathering and stakeholder training in the maintenance of public order. The study was anchored on public participation and street level bureaucracy theory. Descriptive research design was employed. The research targeted 440 respondents which included National Government Administrative officers, National Police service officers, village elders, and Nyumba Kumi leaders. Purposive and random sampling was used to select the respondents; a total of 108 respondents formed the sample size out of the 138 questionnaires distributed. ANOVA test on various aspects of the maintenance of public order was used to assess if there was a divergent opinion among the various groups of people involved in the Nyumba Kumi initiative. Also, dominant themes were used to present the content analysis of some crucial factors that may affect the outcomes obtained. Ethical considerations of anonymity and confidentiality were adhered to. The study found that alternative dispute resolution techniques were used to mitigate conflicts in the sub-county. It was done through mediation, negotiation, and arbitration. It was also noted that, the members of the general public were not open to consulting with the members of the security due to fear, and the key method of public participation was through public barazas. Additionally, intelligence gathering within the Nyumba Kumi framework was noted to be partially effective, with technological advancements offering some support, but challenges remain in ensuring adequate whistleblower protection and adherence to legal provisions. Furthermore, stakeholder training was highlighted as inconsistent and hindered by limited government support, lack of resources, and communication gaps. Addressing these barriers could improve training effectiveness and strengthen security efforts. Despite the noted challenges, the Nyumba Kumi initiative has contributed positively to peaceful co-existence and significantly reduced crimes in the Mutitu sub-county community
Description
A Research Project Submitted to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences for Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of Degree of Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration of Kenyatta University, September, 2025
Supervisor:
1.Heather Eddah Kipchumba